Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to begin an official visit to Egypt on Tuesday (1 September), his first trip to the country in a decade, as Beijing and Cairo look to deepen political, economic and development cooperation.
Xi is expected to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for talks covering bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues.
The visit comes as the two countries expand their relationship beyond trade and investment, with growing cooperation in infrastructure, diplomacy and defence.
In an article published in Egypt’s state-run newspapers, Xi described China-Egypt relations as being in their “best period in history”, following seven decades of diplomatic ties.
He called for a stronger comprehensive strategic partnership, including greater cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Xi also urged closer cultural exchanges and stronger cooperation between China and Arab and African countries.
Sisi, writing in Al-Ahram, said the two countries shared the view that expanding armed conflicts would not serve the interests of any regional or international party.
Economic relations have become a major part of the partnership.
Bilateral trade has grown to more than $10 billion, while Chinese companies have become increasingly involved in major Egyptian infrastructure and development projects.
Egypt is also an important partner for Beijing because of its strategic position linking Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, as well as its control of the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most important trade routes.
For Cairo, closer ties with China offer access to investment, technology and infrastructure financing as Egypt seeks to strengthen its economy and develop major transport and industrial projects.
The relationship is also taking on a stronger security dimension.
Chinese and Egyptian air forces recently held joint military exercises in Egypt known as “Eagles of Civilisation”. The drills involved Chinese J-16 fighter jets and Egyptian Rafale aircraft, among other military assets.
The exercises underline the growing defence relationship between the two countries at a time of heightened tensions across the Middle East.
Xi and Sisi are expected to discuss regional security alongside wider international developments during their talks.
Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, doing so in 1956.
The two countries established a strategic partnership in 1999 before upgrading their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2014.
Xi’s visit is part of an overseas tour running from 30 August to 3 September. His return to Egypt after 10 years is expected to underline the importance both governments place on the relationship as China expands its influence across the Middle East and Africa.
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