Essam Abdel-Aziz Sharaf, former prime minister of Egypt, delivers a keynote speech at the International Investment Forum on Sept 8 during his visit to Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo/fao.xm.gov.cn]
Essam Abdel-Aziz Sharaf, former prime minister of Egypt, visited Xiamen, Fujian province, from Sept 5 to 9 to attend the 2019 China International Fair for Investment and Trade, or CIFIT.
As a member of the strategic committee of the Silk Road Think Tank Network, Sharaf plays an active role in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative. In 2018 he was nominated as a member of the advisory committee of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, launched by China's President.
On Sept 8, Sharaf attended the International Investment Forum, an important part of the 2019 CIFIT and delivered a keynote speech.
He spoke highly of the BRI, adding that he believes it offers a conclusive platform with a huge cooperation potential and combines the interests of China with that of all the other countries involved in the initiative.
After the forum, Yu Weiguo, Party secretary of Fujian, met with Sharaf.
Yu said that both China and Egypt boast an ancient civilization and they also enjoy a profound friendship. As the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road in the East and the core area of the 21st century Maritime Silk Road, Fujian itself also enjoys a long history of exchanges with Egypt.
Yu promised to enhance cooperation with Egypt and other countries involved in the BRI in the future.
Sharaf also visited the yacht harbor at Wuyuan Bay in Xiamen to get a further understanding of the city's development in the leisure tourism and yachting industries.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
