China and Egypt welcome regional and international efforts to ease tension and promote dialogue in the Middle East, according to a joint statement issued on Wednesday.

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Egypt, the two countries released the joint statement on further deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership.  

In the statement, the two sides said they welcome efforts by regional countries and the international community to promote a political understanding that takes into account the concerns of all parties and contributes to peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East by easing tensions and enhancing dialogue.

China commends Egypt for playing a key role in promoting regional security and stability and for its sustained efforts to advance a comprehensive political settlement of geopolitical crises in the Middle East, promote good-neighborly and friendly relations, and uphold the principles of respect for national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, the statement said.

It also noted that Egypt commends President Xi's proposals for safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

In the statement, the two heads of state reiterated that the Palestinian question remains at the core of the Middle East issue and that a just and lasting settlement to the question should be based on the two-state solution. They voiced firm opposition against any plans to displace Palestinians under any pretext or in any name.

The two heads of state called for efforts to consolidate the Gaza ceasefire, facilitate the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and enable the Palestinian National Authority to return to Gaza as soon as possible.

They also voiced concern over Israel's dangerous escalation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, stressing the need to uphold the integrity of the Palestinian territories, support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, and ensure that its mandate is not undermined.