President Xi Jinping called on Wednesday for the establishment of a new security architecture in the Middle East based on principles of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security. Speaking during talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo, Xi outlined a four-point proposal aimed at addressing persistent challenges in the region.
Xi emphasized the need to strengthen internal mechanisms for security cooperation among Middle Eastern countries while discouraging interference from external actors. He advocated for enhancing dialogue among regional states to create a security framework that reflects their interests and sovereignty. Recognizing the interconnected nature of conflicts in the Middle East, Xi stressed that a comprehensive approach is essential to resolving multiple hotspots simultaneously.
Central to the discussions was the Palestinian question, which Xi characterized as the core issue in the region. He warned against marginalizing the Palestinian cause and urged measures to address underlying conflicts. Xi also highlighted development as a foundation for long-term peace and stability, pledging that China stands ready to collaborate with countries in the Middle East to safeguard maritime security, promote economic development, and foster mutual trust.
In addition, Xi called for increased international coordination rooted in the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. He stressed that major powers outside the region should abandon double standards, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Middle Eastern states, and contribute constructively to regional peace efforts.
Egyptian President El-Sisi welcomed China’s consistent and balanced stance on Middle Eastern affairs. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to working closely with regional and international partners, including China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to reduce tensions, promote development, and address global challenges.
Xi’s visit to Egypt marked his first state visit to the country in a decade and coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Egypt was the first Arab and African country to formalize diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China. During the talks, Xi and El-Sisi stressed the importance of mutual support and deepening cooperation to build a China-Egypt community with a shared future.
Both leaders agreed to sustain high-level exchanges and enhance collaboration across multiple sectors such as infrastructure, electricity, agriculture, and communications technology. Xi identified emerging fields for partnership including green energy, electric vehicles, aerospace, the digital economy, and modern agricultural technology.
Trade between the two countries has grown significantly, with China remaining Egypt’s largest trading partner and import source for 14 consecutive years. Bilateral trade expanded from $10.21 billion in 2013 to an expected $20.79 billion in 2025.
The two sides also pledged to enhance security cooperation by jointly combating transnational crime, strengthening international anti-corruption efforts, supporting each other’s counterterrorism measures, and safeguarding shared security interests. El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s adherence to the one-China principle and praised the "tangible leap" in bilateral relations.
More than 20 cooperation agreements were signed during Xi’s visit, covering areas such as the digital economy, science and technology, education, and transportation. The two countries also issued a joint statement committing to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.