Xi puts forward a four-point proposal on a new security architecture for the Middle East

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday put forward a four-point proposal on building a new security architecture in the Middle East by advocating a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.

In his talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Xi said China supports regional countries in developing friendly and good-neighborly relations.

To promote common security in the region, Xi said efforts should be made to promote domestic driving force for common security in the region.

People in the Middle East should remain masters of their own affairs and external interference should be rejected, Xi said, stressing that China supports regional countries in strengthening dialogue on peace and security, exploring building a new security architecture for the Middle East and taking control of their own future.

Xi said that a comprehensive approach should be taken to promote common security in the region and that, given the multiple hot spots in the Middle East and their close interconnections, comprehensive solutions should be pursued.

The Palestinian issue remains at the heart of the Middle East issue and should never be overlooked or marginalized, he added.

The foundation for common security should be strengthened through development, Xi said, stressing that lasting peace and stability in the Middle East fundamentally depends on development.

China is ready to work together with Middle Eastern countries to safeguard the security of international sea routes, promote development cooperation, promote the convergence of interests of countries in the region, gradually strengthen mutual trust and eliminate the root causes of conflict, he said.

Xi urged strengthening international coordination for common security in the region and strengthening the United Nations Charter and international law as fundamental principles for managing Middle East affairs.

The international community, especially external powers, should abandon double standards in the Middle East, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region, and safeguard regional peace and stability, Xi added.

He also urged support for the United Nations’ effective role in Middle East affairs.

Sisi said that Egypt highly appreciates China’s consistent, objective and impartial position on the Middle East issue, stressing that Egypt is committed to promoting the reduction of tension in the region, resolving conflicts and differences through political means, and promoting regional security and development.

Egypt stands ready to continue strengthening coordination with China to ease tensions in the Middle East, safeguard regional stability and explore a regional security architecture, Sisi said. Xinhua