国内英语新闻:China welcomes new Egyptian speaker

BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- China has welcomed Egypt's election of Ali Abdelaal as parliament speaker, vowing to support the country's efforts to quell unrest and drive economic growth and public prosperity.

Egypt's new long-awaited parliament convened its opening session on Sunday after the last one dissolved over three years ago.

"China congratulates Egypt on its new parliament and speaker as well as its inaugural session," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said at a daily press briefing on Tuesday.

Hong said it marks the smooth completion of Egypt's political transition.

China supports Egypt seeking a development path in accordance with its national conditions, according to the spokesperson.

Egypt's last parliament was elected in late 2011, months after the ousting of former leader Hosni Mubarak, and was dissolved in June 2012 by a court order.

The new parliament now consists of 596 seats, 448 of which are for individuals and 120 for winners from party-based lists. The remaining 28 seats are appointed by the president.