Almost 60 years ago, Egypt became the first African nation to move forward with establishing diplomatic ties with China. According to CCTV Africa, following a hands off approach, China was one of the few nations that welcomed its new president — who is now implementing a research project to identify areas in which the two partners can strengthen bilateral ties.

“Egypt is improving its foreign policy and reviving it, stressing that Egypt has an open hand and an open heart for all its partners. China is a big partner,” Gamal Bayoumi, former assistant to the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in the report.