"In recent years, bilateral relations between Egypt and China have flourished. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state and driven by the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative, Egypt-China mutually beneficial cooperation has yielded fruitful results." Alaa Sabit, former editor-in-chief and columnist of Egypt's Al-Ahram newspaper, said this in a recent exclusive interview with our reporter. He noted that both Egypt and China have long and splendid civilizations and a time-honored friendship. "The two countries' strengthened cooperation in infrastructure, agricultural technology, renewable energy and other fields will help enhance the internal driving force of Egypt's economic development and better achieve mutual benefit and win-win results."

"Egypt-China mutually beneficial cooperation has brought us development opportunities," Sabit said. The Tenth of Ramadan City suburban railway project, financed by China and implemented with Chinese technology and equipment, gave Egypt its ** electrified railway; the iconic tower in the Central Business District of Egypt's new administrative capital rises high into the clouds and has become "Africa's tallest building"... These projects have injected momentum into Egypt's realization of its "Vision 2030." "Egypt-China high-quality Belt and Road cooperation has raised Egypt's infrastructure level and industrial capacity, promoted the development of Egypt's industry and commerce, and continuously inspired the innovative spirit of Egyptian enterprises."

Egypt is implementing the "Decent Life" initiative. Sabit said: "This initiative aims to improve infrastructure and people's living standards in rural areas of Egypt. Deepening cooperation with China will help further improve the lives of the Egyptian people."

"More than 10 years ago, when I first visited China, I was attracted by China's profound historical and cultural heritage. Magnificent historical buildings such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City remain unforgettable to me to this day," Sabit said. Every time he visits China, he is amazed by the country's rapid development. "New changes are constantly taking place across China. The progress of science and technology and the speed at which people's living standards are improving are inspiring. These achievements would not have been possible without the Chinese leaders leading the Chinese people in their hard work."

Last October, Sabit came to China to attend the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and participated in the 2023 Belt and Road Media Cooperation Forum hosted by People's Daily. He believes that the media are a bridge for exchanges and mutual learning among different cultures. Media from all countries should share fair, objective and truthful information with one another, avoid bias, fake news and misleading information, and strive to promote deeper connectivity.

"Under the current international situation, media cooperation is very important for promoting exchanges and deepening understanding," Sabit said. As a media professional, he will continue to play an active role, strengthening cooperation with People's Daily and other Chinese media through newspapers, websites, social media and other channels, introducing a true, three-dimensional and comprehensive China to more readers in Egypt and other Arab countries, and promoting further mutual understanding between the peoples of both sides.

The 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum was recently held in Beijing, charting the course for the next stage of cooperation between the two sides. Sabit said: "Arab-China relations have broad prospects for development and huge potential for cooperation. In the future, Arab-China cooperation will surely continue to deepen and become more substantive, bringing bright prospects to the peoples of both sides."