Wang Yi has continued the tradition for China's foreign minister to begin the new year with a tour in Africa. Egypt was his first stop, where he signed an executive five year plan for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. In talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Wang expressed concerns over rising tensions in the Red Sea, calling for an end to the harassment of civilian vessels there. Wang also met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. And he discussed regional cooperation and emerging crises with the Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.