BEIJING - Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak arrived here on Friday, starting a state visit to China and to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak (R Front) arrives at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, Nov. 3, 2006. [Xinhua]

While in Beijing, Mubarak will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao and meet with top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao respectively.

Egypt established diplomatic ties with China on May 30, 1956, leading all other African and Arab countries in doing so.

"It will be my ninth visit to China. And just like you, I feel optimistic and happy about this number," Mubarak told Xinhua prior to his departure.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao visited Egypt in January 2004 and in June 2006 respectively. Bilateral trade hit 2.145 billion US dollars in 2005.

"For me, visiting China is like going home. Egypt sees China more as a brother than as an ordinary friendly nation," said Mubarak.

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