China, Egypt urge political solution on Syria

BEIJING - China and Egypt have called for a political solution to the Syria issue as soon as possible, according to a joint press communique issued on Thursday.

It comes after Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi concluded his three-day state visit to China as a guest of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

China and Egypt oppose external military interventions on Syria and urge the Syrian government and all parties involved to stop all killing and other violence. China appreciates the Arab League's efforts to push for a political solution toward Syrian issues, the communique said.

According to the document, both sides believe the international community should respect the aspirations of people in West Asia and North Africa for change and development. They encourage parties in countries in the region to resolve disagreements through inclusive and peaceful political dialogues, supporting the people to explore a path that suits their national conditions and leads to peace, stability, development, democracy and prosperity.

China and Egypt advocate the international community respecting the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of countries in the region, strengthening economic assistance and cooperation with them, facilitating the resolution of hot-spot issues and contributing to regional peace, stability and development, the communique added.

It also said China and Egypt maintain the core role of the United Nations (UN) in international affairs, reiterate the necessity of UN reform in order to eliminate unfair treatment of African countries due to historical reasons by increasing their representation in the UN Security Council and other organs.