On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Alexandria, in collaboration with Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Qingdao Hiser Medical Hospital), jointly organized a traditional Chinese medicine event.

Consul Yang Yi of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Alexandria stated that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) spans a thousand years and has been disseminated to many countries through the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering connections and cooperation between China and these nations. He noted that there is a significant interest in TCM across Africa, and the delegation from Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Qingdao Hiser Medical Hospital) visiting Alexandria will enhance ties and cooperation in various fields. He believes that with the joint efforts of both sides, bilateral cooperation will yield abundant results and usher in a new chapter of Sino-Egyptian cooperation.

Zeng Zanrong, the Secretary of the Qingdao Municipal Committee, delivered a speech, saying, “I am very pleased to be here in Alexandria, known as the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean,’ to participate in the cultural exchange activities on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Please allow me to extend sincere greetings and best wishes from the Qingdao Municipal Committee and the municipal government to the people of Alexandria!”

China and Egypt are ancient civilizations with a long and profound history of flourishing and brilliant cultures. With its rich history, prosperous economy, and beautiful scenery, Alexandria is Egypt’s largest coastal city and serves as a crucial window for the country’s openness to the outside world.

Qingdao, located along the coast of the Yellow Sea in China, enjoys unique geographical advantages, a solid industrial foundation, and vibrant development potential, making it a city suitable for both living and working, as well as a key hub in the Belt and Road Initiative. Qingdao has had close exchanges and cooperation with Egypt in recent years, with many companies from Qingdao investing in Egypt. Last November, Qingdao Port signed a cooperation agreement with Alexandria Port, further deepening the friendship between the two sides.Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a treasure of Chinese civilization, embodying the wisdom of the Chinese people and playing a significant role in treating major diseases and maintaining public health. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, TCM gained widespread recognition, with the integration of TCM and Western medicine and the combined use of Chinese herbal and Western pharmaceuticals, becoming a highlight of China’s epidemic control efforts.

Cultural exchange is the foundation for consolidating friendship and enhancing mutual trust. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Egypt. We hope to seize the opportunity of this TCM cultural exchange to deepen interactions and cooperation between China and Egypt in areas such as culture, tourism, healthcare, ports, aviation, and education, promoting our partnership and friendship to reach new heights.