Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday that China and Egypt, as important members of the Global South, should further strengthen strategic coordination to safeguard their common interests.

Li made the remarks upon arrival in Cairo, the Egyptian capital, for an official visit to the Middle Eastern country, at the invitation of his Egyptian counterpart, Mostafa Kamal Madbouly.

Noting that China and Egypt are both ancient civilizations, Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties nearly 70 years ago, the two countries have remained close friends who support each other and strategic partners with a shared future.

Hailing the flourishing China-Egypt ties, Li said the two countries have deepened political mutual trust, yielded fruitful results in their practical cooperation, and maintained close and effective multilateral collaboration, setting an example for major developing countries to unite in sincerity, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.

China is ready to work with Egypt to deepen cooperation across various fields, constantly enrich the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership, inject strong impetus into both countries' development and national rejuvenation, and make positive contributions to regional and world peace and stability, said the premier.

The Egyptian prime minister and senior government officials welcomed Li at the airport and held a welcome ceremony in his honor. Before his arrival in Egypt, Li attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

(With input from Xinhua)