China attaches great importance to developing the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Egypt, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Saturday.

President Xi made the remarks when meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, who is in Beijing for a state visit and will also attend the upcoming 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Xi said China will continue to support the Egyptian government in its efforts to maintain stability, develop its economy and improve people's livelihood, and support Egypt in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.

The Chinese president said China is willing to strengthen strategic communication and coordination with Egypt to safeguard common interests.

Xi told Sisi that the two sides should continue to support each other on issues of each other's core interests, exchange views on bilateral relations and major issues of common concern in a timely manner.

Xi also hoped the two countries could exchange experience in governing a state, keep close contacts at all levels and in all fields.

China regards Egypt as an important and long-term partner in building the Belt and Road and China is willing to connect Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative with Cairo's "Vision 2030" plan, Xi added.

Xi told Sisi that pragmatic cooperation between the two sides should also be advanced and the two countries should enhance security cooperation against terrorism.

As both China and Egypt are countries with ancient civilizations, the two sides should also jointly promote dialogues and exchanges between civilizations, Xi added.

Sisi noted Egypt and China have maintained traditional friendship and high mutual trust.

Egypt placed a high priority on Egypt-China comprehensive strategic partnership, Sisi said, adding that Egypt is also one of the earliest countries to support the Belt and Road Initiative and firmly believes that this initiative will bring great opportunities to bilateral, regional and international cooperations.

As Egypt will hold the African Union's next rotating presidency, it will continue to promote Africa's cooperation with China, Sisi stressed.

The Egyptian president pointed out the FOCAC Beijing Summit demonstrates that China pays high attention to Africa's development, and Egypt fully supports China's successful hosting of the summit.

Sisi also said Egypt positively evaluates China's stand on Middle East issues and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in multilateral fields. 

He laid a wreath at the Monument to the People's Heroes at the Tiananmen Square in Beijing Sunday afternoon.