Chinese President Xi Jinping has prioritized strengthening ties and advancing cooperation with Egypt as he commenced his visit to Cairo, underscoring a long-standing relationship that dates back 70 years. Upon his arrival, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were received by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his wife, marking the beginning of a visit aimed at enhancing diplomatic and strategic relations between the two nations.
In a message released prior to his arrival, Xi acknowledged the enduring partnership between China and Egypt, which has persisted despite shifts in the global landscape. He emphasized the need to bolster the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries by identifying new avenues for collaboration. Xi highlighted the importance of aligning their national development goals and urged cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative to undertake projects with long-term economic impacts.
The Chinese leader also proposed expanded collaboration in diverse fields such as education, tourism, science and technology, healthcare, sports, and archaeology to foster mutual understanding and strengthen the bond between the peoples of both countries. Furthermore, Xi expressed China’s readiness to work with Egypt to invigorate their decades-long diplomatic relationship and infuse new energy into their strategic partnership.
Xi articulated the significance of supporting each other on pivotal issues and safeguarding shared interests, describing Egypt as a crucial partner in enhancing cooperation between China and Arab countries, as well as with Africa. Both countries, as part of the Global South, have pivotal roles to play, according to Xi, who called for increased coordination on international matters, bolstered multilateral cooperation, and collective efforts to promote global peace and stability.
The visit is poised to fortify political and economic connections between Beijing and Cairo, opening avenues for collaboration in trade, infrastructure, technology, and other critical sectors. Through this visit, Xi aims to build on the seven decades of diplomatic engagement and inject fresh momentum into the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Egypt.