China-Egypt partnership spotlighted at Cairo dialogue on reform opportunities

A dialogue themed "World Opportunities of China's Deepening Reform in the New Era" was held in Cairo on Tuesday. Co-hosted by China Media Group (CMG), the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and the Chinese Embassy in Egypt, the event was part of a series of cultural exchange events marking the 2024 China-Egypt Year of Partnership.

Guests from China and Egypt engaged in in-depth discussions about the global development opportunities resulting from China's comprehensive deepening of reform in the new era.

Shen Haixiong, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and president of CMG, said that the resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization adopted by the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China at its third plenary session, outlines more than 300 reform measures, with a clear goal to complete these reforms by the 80th anniversary of the People's Republic of China in 2029.

"China's further comprehensive deepening of reforms will provide valuable stability to the world, create more development opportunities, and contribute significantly to the common development and prosperity of humanity," Shen said.

He also said that CMG is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with various sectors in Egypt, deepen mutual cultural understanding, and strengthen the high-quality collaboration between the two countries in reform and cultural exchange.

Sherif Fathi, the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership. Over the past decade, the two countries have made significant progress in various sectors, particularly in tourism and cultural heritage protection.

"China's comprehensive deepening of reforms will open up more opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation among countries worldwide," he said. "Drawing on our long histories and rich cultural resources, China and Egypt have strengthened their cooperation and cultural exchanges through joint cultural relics exhibitions and a variety of other activities."

Fathi also expressed the willingness of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to collaborate with CMG. He emphasized leveraging CMG's strong communication and influence to promote cooperation between the two countries in cultural tourism, cultural relics research and heritage protection. He hopes this will encourage more Chinese people to visit Egypt, explore its sights and experience the modern allure of this ancient civilization.

"The practical cooperation between Egypt and China extends beyond political, economic and cultural fields and has yielded significant results in media exchanges," said Hussein Zein, Chairman of the National Media Authority of Egypt. "As a crucial bridge for cultural exchanges, the media has played a key role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples."

"Egypt is eager to collaborate with CMG to continually diversify and innovate our partnership. Through joint documentary productions and cultural exchange activities, we aim to vividly showcase the rich histories of our ancient civilizations and the longstanding friendship between the two countries," he noted.

Chinese Ambassador to Egypt, Liao Liqiang, said that a series of cultural exchange activities held under the framework of the partnership year will further deepen the mutual understanding and traditional friendship between the two peoples. These efforts will also strengthen public support for the development of the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership and the joint building of the Belt and Road between the two countries.

He added that China looks forward to working with Egypt to enhance people-to-people exchanges through closer cultural ties, continue advancing together on the path of modernization, and create a brighter future together.

Media collaborations forged to strengthen China-Egypt ties

To further enhance cooperation between China and Egypt in the film industry, CMG has reached a cooperation agreement with the 45th Cairo International Film Festival. The collaboration will include mutual visits and research, recommending films to each other, organizing themed film festivals and participating in each other's events.

The Cairo International Film Festival, established in 1976, is one of only 15 festivals worldwide to hold category "A" status granted by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF).

In his speech, Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival, highlighted that in the vibrant exchanges between Egypt and China, filmmakers and cultural professionals have used film and television as media to forge a bridge of friendship between their countries. This has been achieved through a variety of activities, including film festivals, cultural weeks and photography exhibitions.

Fahmy expressed confidence that the cooperation between the Cairo International Film Festival and CMG will enhance communication between filmmakers from both nations. He also expressed hope that more outstanding Chinese films will be showcased at the festival in the future, providing the Egyptian people with a new perspective on China and bringing the two cultures closer together.

On Tuesday, the Arabic version of a documentary on Chinese modernization produced by CMG started broadcasting. The documentary vividly depicts how the vision of Chinese modernization is becoming a reality, providing Egyptian audiences with a clear understanding of China's modernization experience.

At the event, the Journey Through Civilizations: An Encounter with Liangzhu 2024 World Tour exhibition was launched, offering audiences an immersive, digital experience of the depth and enduring charm of Chinese civilization.

The documentary "Treasures and Masks," co-produced by CMG and the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, will soon be available on the EgyptAir multimedia platform. This documentary delves into the ancient Egyptian civilization and China's Sanxingdui civilization, exploring the parallel development paths of different civilizations around the world. It emphasizes the diversity and unity of human civilizations and highlights their shared destiny.