China’s Xi makes first visit to Egypt in a decade, amid regional turmoil | Abdel Fattah el-Sisi News
Xi Jinping Visits Egypt to Strengthen Bilateral Ties and Commemorate 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Cairo, Egypt — Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo on Tuesday, marking his first visit to Egypt in a decade. The trip coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and aims to enhance economic cooperation amid ongoing regional challenges.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi welcomed Xi at a ceremony, furthering his own diplomatic ties with China, having visited the country eight times since taking office in 2014. Presidential spokesman Ambassador Mohamed el-Shennawy stated that Xi’s visit is intended to strengthen bilateral relations and to assess the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between the two countries in 2014.
“The visit will also include discussions on several regional and international issues of mutual interest,” el-Shennawy added.
According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the relationship between China and Egypt is at its strongest point in history, with Xi’s visit expected to guide future collaboration.
Economic Ties on the Rise
The economic relationship between China and Egypt continues to thrive. China has emerged as Egypt’s largest trading partner in non-petroleum goods, with bilateral trade expected to reach approximately $20.7 billion by the end of 2026, according to the State Information Service (SIS). Data from the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) indicates that Egyptian exports to China surged nearly 200 percent in the first half of 2026, amounting to $840.8 million, while imports totaled $10.4 billion.
Chinese investments in Egypt are concentrated primarily in the Suez Canal region, a vital artery for trade between China and Europe. The China-Egypt TEDA cooperation zone in Ain Sokhna, part of the Belt and Road Initiative, is home to around 200 companies with investments exceeding $3.8 billion.
In an article published by Al-Ahram on Monday, el-Sisi emphasized the ongoing efforts to strengthen these ties. “The comprehensive strategic partnership established by the two countries achieved a breakthrough in bilateral relations, establishing China as a significant commercial and economic partner for Egypt,” he wrote.
El-Sisi also acknowledged China’s support regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and its impact on Egypt’s access to Nile waters. “Egypt highly appreciates China’s position, which recognizes the vital importance of the Nile River to Egypt as its main lifeline,” he stated, urging for cooperation to ensure mutual benefit and stability.
Addressing Regional Instability
Xi’s visit unfolds against a backdrop of significant regional volatility, including ongoing conflicts in Gaza and tensions surrounding the US-Israel war on Iran. In a published statement, Xi noted that China and Egypt share a common vision for global stability and emphasized the historical resilience of their partnership.
“For seven decades, the China-Egypt relationship has withstood the tests of time and change,” Xi remarked. He expressed mutual support for the Palestinian people’s rights and reiterated the importance of peaceful resolutions to regional conflicts.
Additionally, Xi highlighted recent joint military exercises between Egypt and China, which began on August 22, as a demonstration of defense cooperation and capability.
As Xi’s visit progresses, further discussions on enhancing bilateral economic and strategic goals are anticipated, positioning Egypt and China as key partners in navigating the complexities of regional and global dynamics.
