Mubarak arrived yesterday for a four-day visit. It is his eighth trip to China.

Jiang said China has always supported the Palestinians' legitimate rights and the Arabs' struggle for justice. Jiang also said China and Egypt share similar positions, adding China is willing to enhance co-ordination with Arab countries, Islamic countries and all friendly developing countries to safeguard these countries' interests.

He said China opposes associating terrorism with a specific ethnic group, religion or region and expanding targets for attacks at will using anti-terrorism as an excuse. Mubarak echoed his views.

There should be no double standards on anti-terrorism, Jiang said, reiterating China is opposed to terrorism in any form. He said the United Nations should play an active role in the fight against terrorism. Only by strengthening international cooperation can world peace and stability be achieved, he said.

Jiang then called on both sides in the Middle East to use restraint and stop any activities detrimental to the peace process so as to resolve the bloodshed quickly, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

China voiced the hope Egypt will play an even greater role in the Middle East peace process. Mubarak expressed appreciation for China's stance on the Middle East issue.

He also said Egypt is willing to enhance cooperation with China on the anti-terrorism front and in international affairs.

Turning to the bilateral relations, Jiang said China is encouraging domestic enterprises to import more from Egypt and increase investment.

He said the two sides could seek more opportunities to expand bilateral trade through various exhibitions and mutual visits.

That is easy to do, Jiang said, now that Egypt has become an approved destination for Chinese tourists.

Mubarak expressed satisfaction with the rapid development of the economic and trade relations between Egypt and China.

(China Daily January 24, 2002)