China's initiative of building the Silk Road Economic Belt is not aimed at so-called westward expansion, former Egypt Ambassador to China Mohamed Noman Galal told China.org.cn on the sidelines of the parallel roundtables of the Silk Road Economic Belt International Seminar held in Urumqi, capital city of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on June 26.

"It is an excellent initiative. It is a timely initiative. It will promote China politically, economically and culturally, so my humble request is that China carries it out as soon as possible,"Galal said.

The former ambassador studied for his MA and PhD degrees in China.

"As a student of Chinese politics, I believe that China has no intention of being a colonial country or an expansionist country," Galal said.

Galal instead thinks China wants what he calls "soft power" in things like the economy, culture, trade and tourism.

He also said China can support Egypt in its economic development based on the country's location.

"The impact of the Silk Road Economic Belt on the relationship between China and Egypt will be very positive," Galal said. "This will also enhance the relationship between China and the Arab world, as well as Africa."

Galal said the cooperation needs to start with visits from China to Egypt.

"Egypt is a gateway for China to promote friendly relations with other countries in the region,"Galal said.

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