BEIJING, Nov. 8 -- Chinese President, Hu Jintao, and visiting Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak have marked 50 years of friendly ties between their two countries, with a promise to cooperate more in trade, politics and international affairs. This is Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's ninth visit to China.

    Egypt was the first African and Arab nation to establish diplomatic relations with China 50 years ago. And President Mubarak is seen as "a close friend of the Chinese people".

    The two leaders said they are satisfied with how their relations have progress over the past five decades. They agreed to enhance relations in politics, economics and trade, cultural exchanges, and improve coordination in international and regional affairs.

    Calling China-Egypt relations a "good example" of South-South cooperation, President Hu said Chinese and Egyptians have always supported each other and shared deep trust in their struggle for national sovereignty and economic development.

    President Hu also highlighted bilateral trade, saying the two countries should work together in the telecommunications, transport and textiles areas.

    The communique says that the two countries has made a significant contribution to relations between China and African and Arabian countries.

    At the fiftieth anniversary, both sides decided to continue to work together to deepen their strategic partnership, and explore an effective way of achieving three-party cooperation between China, Arabian and African countries. The two countries would like to leverage Egypt's experience with the Arab world and Africa and the opportunities that China can offer with its rapid economic development. This is expected to be of further benefit to both Chinese and Egyptians.

    President Hu Jintao also accepted Mubarak's invitation to visit Egypt.

    Liu Ying from CCTV said, "China and Egypt have enjoyed good relations over the last 50 years, both politically and economically. With a new consensus being reached, and Egypt's recognition of China's market economy status, strategic cooperation is set to reach a new high."