Former Egyptian PM visits CICG
Former Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf visited China International Communications Group (CICG) on July 28 and met with CICG President Chang Bo.
Chang Bo (R), president of China International Communications Group (CICG), presents the Arabic edition of the fifth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" to Essam Sharaf, former Egyptian prime minister, in Beijing, July 28, 2026. [Photo/CICG]
Sharaf is also a recipient of CICG's inaugural Orchid Awards, which recognizes foreign nationals and organizations worldwide that are committed to promoting international exchange of Chinese culture and have made outstanding contributions to advancing exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.
Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Egypt, Chang said the two sides are working to promote their comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.
Chang also expressed hope that Sharaf would further promote the philosophy and values embodied by the Orchid Awards, while congratulating Sharaf on the fruitful outcomes of his recent visit to Beijing and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Sharaf commended CICG's efforts to facilitate exchanges between different cultures and civilizations, and recognized the role of the Orchid Awards in promoting cultural exchanges.
He said that his in-depth visit to Xinjiang had been full of pleasant surprises, and that his experience of the region's cultural diversity and the harmonious development of its ethnic groups would become an unforgettable part of his story in China.
He expressed hope for deeper cooperation with CICG in such areas as book translation, publishing, and joint research, so as to contribute more to fostering people-to-people ties between Egypt and China and promoting solidarity and cooperation among Global South countries.
Yu Yingfu (2nd R), vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks with former Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf on his visit to the CICG history exhibition in Beijing, July 28, 2026. [Photo/CICG]