CAIRO—On April 17, Gao Xiang, president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), led a delegation to meet with former Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf in Cairo, Egypt, where they discussed issues of common concern.

Gao Xiang presents Essam Sharaf with the Arabic edition of the first four volumes of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China on behalf of CASS. Photo: Wang Zhou/CSSN

During the meeting, Gao noted that China and Egypt—both ancient civilizations— should strengthen inter-civilizational exchanges and mutual learning to jointly advance human progress. Scholars and political leaders of both nations shoulder the important mission of fostering dialogue among civilizations.

Chinese civilization, with over 5000 years of history, and Egyptian civilization, equally rich in heritage, have each followed development paths shaped by their historical legacies, Gao said. Attempts by certain countries to impose their own historical biases on the development of others are neither practical nor acceptable. The vision of building a human community with a shared future and the Global Civilization Initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping, have provided a clear and constructive direction for humanity’s future.

Gao went on to emphasize that China’s unique path to modernization is the result of generations of Chinese leaders and people working in concert. Under the scientific planning of the CPC Central Committee—with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core—China has steadfastly pursued an independent development model and achieved a modernization miracle. Our generation has both witnessed and benefited from this achievement, which is owed to the collective efforts of all ethnic groups across the country. Gao affirmed the Chinese people’s wholehearted trust in the leadership of the CPC Central Committee—with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core—and their support for its continued guidance. He noted that CASS has always regarded His Excellency former Egyptian Prime Minister Sharaf as a trusted partner and deeply values academic exchanges with His Excellency, and he looks forward to strengthening China–Egypt scholarly cooperation in the years ahead.

Mr. Sharaf observed that the global landscape is undergoing profound changes, with the Western-dominated international order increasingly misaligned with contemporary needs. He praised China’s consistent adherence to the principles of equality and mutual benefit, highlighting its active support for the autonomous development of Arab and African nations. Reflecting on China’s own history of poverty, Sharaf pointed out that by building a complete industrial system and pursuing comprehensive, coordinated development, China managed to lift its people out of poverty in a remarkably short time—an achievement he deemed a model for other developing countries.

Following the discussions, Gao presented Mr. Sharaf with the Arabic edition of the first four volumes of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China on behalf of CASS.