Xi Jinping Visits Egypt to Strengthen Ties and Cooperation
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Cairo for his first visit to Egypt in ten years. The trip aims to enhance a strong partnership between the two nations, focusing on new programs for debt swapping, defense collaboration, and security alignment in the Middle East.
Upon his arrival at Cairo International Airport on Tuesday, Xi was warmly welcomed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and First Lady Entissar al-Sisi. This visit, which lasts from September 1 to September 3, is significant as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and China.
The relationship between the two countries is evolving beyond simple trade to a comprehensive long-term partnership that includes political, technological, industrial, and energy collaboration. For Egypt, building closer relations with China provides a chance to diversify its international alliances. Cairo aims to utilize China’s influence in the U.N. Security Council to address key issues like the Palestinian situation and maritime security in the Red Sea.
China considers Egypt a crucial hub for global trade. As Egypt’s largest trading partner, discussions during Xi’s visit will focus on implementing the 2014 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement and creating a collaborative development strategy for the years 2025–2029. The leaders are also expected to explore a debt-for-development swap program.
Ahead of his arrival, Xi shared an article in Egyptian media, expressing China’s willingness to pursue mutual benefits and cooperative development. He emphasized the need for both nations to align their development strategies, enhance collaboration in infrastructure and technology, and support quality Belt and Road initiatives.
As major developing countries in the Global South, Xi urged China and Egypt to promote peace and fairness in the world by practicing genuine multilateralism. He highlighted the importance of cooperation in four global initiatives focused on development, security, civilization, and governance.
To solidify their partnership, Xi called for mutual support on essential interests and deeper exchanges in education, tourism, science, health, sports, and archaeology.
During the welcome ceremony, a large crowd of Egyptian and Chinese citizens gathered, with children and youth waving the flags of both countries to greet President Xi. The special reception symbolized the long-standing friendship between the Egyptian and Chinese people.
Egypt was the first Arab and African nation to recognize the People’s Republic of China, establishing diplomatic relations back in 1956.
