Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo on Tuesday for a three-day state visit aimed at strengthening economic, technological, and defense cooperation between China and Egypt, as well as discussing regional security issues amid ongoing Middle East tensions. This trip marks Xi’s first visit to Egypt in ten years and underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.
Upon his arrival at Cairo International Airport, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were welcomed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and First Lady Entissar El-Sisi. The official welcome included a traditional Egyptian folk dance performance and a 21-gun salute. Xi expressed a desire to renew and expand the bilateral relationship, describing it as a "comprehensive strategic partnership" with growing importance both economically and geopolitically.
During meetings held on Wednesday at the presidential palace, the two leaders signed multiple agreements spanning a range of sectors including trade, manufacturing, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, finance, new energy, and military cooperation. One key highlight was the agreement to launch the third phase of the Egyptian-Chinese industrial zone at the Suez Canal, an area already home to some 200 companies with investments estimated at $4 billion. This extension further boosts China’s influence over the strategically significant canal zone, which serves as a vital hub for global trade.
Both leaders called for greater collaboration on regional security, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Xi proposed a new four-point framework for a Middle East security architecture that emphasizes regional ownership, opposes external interference, fosters cooperative and comprehensive security, and promotes sustainable peace. He stressed the importance of addressing the Palestinian issue and called on the international community to avoid double standards, respect sovereignty, and support dialogue to resolve conflicts.
El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s appreciation for China’s impartial stance on Middle East affairs and affirmed Egypt’s readiness to deepen coordination with China to ease regional tensions and contribute to the development of a new security framework.
Analysts noted the visit solidifies a mature partnership that has expanded beyond trade into defense, advanced technology, and geopolitical alignment. Egypt seeks strategic autonomy and diversification of partnerships beyond traditional ties with Western powers, while China aims to secure reliable partners in the Middle East and Africa.
The visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt, a relationship described by officials as enduring and mutually beneficial. Both countries emphasized the potential for their collaboration to contribute not only to national development but also to stability and prosperity in the broader region. Chinese officials also highlighted Beijing’s readiness to work with Middle Eastern countries to safeguard international shipping lanes, promote economic cooperation, and eliminate the root causes of regional conflict.