Chinese President Xi Jinping said countries should reject "external interference" in the Middle East during a state visit in Egypt, according to the Jerusalem Post, citing Chinese state media.

Xi touched down in Cairo on Tuesday evening and received a warm welcome from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

On Wednesday, Xi said Middle Eastern nations should be "masters of their own destiny" and explore a new "security architecture" for the region, Reuters reported, as quoted from China's state news agency Xinhua.

He added that Beijing and Cairo should jointly oppose "unilateralism and acts of bullying,” according to The Associated Press, adding that the two nations should “work together for a more just and equitable global governance system."

Xi also said China is prepared to help safeguard shipping routes in the region, a notable statement as the Iran war has repeatedly disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb.