Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Thursday voiced hope that ties between Egypt and China would get stronger in the years to come, a Chinese embassy source told Xinhua.  Mubarak made the remarks when holding talks with visiting Vice-Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Guo Boxiong.

Under new circumstances, the growth of strategic relations of cooperation between Egypt and China is in the basic interests of the two countries, and will bring about tangible benefits to the two peoples and help maintain regional and world peace and stability, Mubarak said.

The two countries enjoyed a timed-honored friendship and cooperation, which stood the test of time and the changing international situation, the president noted.

Egypt and China have supported each other and engaged in fruitful cooperation in a variety of areas since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956, he said.

Mubarak asked Guo to convey his greetings to Chinese President Hu Jintao and China's Central Military Commission Chairman Jiang Zemin.

For his part, Guo said Sino-Egyptian ties have become closer since the two countries agreed to establish strategic ties of cooperation in 1999, as defined by then Chinese President JiangZemin and Mubarak.

He said President Hu paid a successful visit to Egypt, ushering in a new chapter in bilateral ties, adding that the Chinese People's Liberation Army places great importance on developing ties with the Egyptian army.

The purpose of his current visit to Egypt was to promote mutual understanding and friendship as well as to expand common understanding and cooperation, Guo said.

Pointing out the fact that Egypt is the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic ties with China, Guo expressed his belief that friendship and cooperation between the two countries and their armed forces would develop further, thanks to joint efforts.

During the meeting, Guo also conveyed greetings from Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin to the Egyptian leader.

Guo arrived here on Monday as part of a three-nation tour, which has taken him to Russia and will take him to South Africa.