Egypt and China: A Sustainable Strategic Partnership
Cairo – Agencies: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, held an official round of talks yesterday, at the outset of the Chinese president’s official visit to Egypt, which began on Tuesday. During the meeting, the two leaders affirmed the alignment of Egyptian and Chinese views on resolving conflicts and expressed their support for efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and reaching a comprehensive ceasefire agreement.
The Egyptian presidency stated that Sisi and Xi held an expanded round of talks in the presence of delegations from both countries, following formal reception ceremonies. A presidential statement noted that the two sides signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) before a luncheon hosted by Sisi for the Chinese president and his accompanying delegation. According to the statement, Sisi and Xi agreed to “continue working to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and intensify consultations on issues of common interest.”
Additionally, several “important documents” were signed between various Egyptian entities and their Chinese counterparts, in addition to those witnessed by the two presidents. At the beginning of the meeting, President Sisi welcomed his Chinese counterpart, describing the visit to Cairo as “historic,” and noting that it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which were founded in 1956. Egypt was the first Arab and African country to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
Sisi pointed out that relations between the two countries “reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014, enabling both nations to play an active role in shaping international interactions within a global system undergoing rapid and significant changes in the current stage.” He praised the “tangible breakthrough” achieved in Egyptian-Chinese relations across various fields, underpinned by a clear political will to elevate the prospects of bilateral cooperation, particularly regarding the localization of industry and technology transfer, which he noted are priorities for both countries. He expressed his hope to continue working with China to “achieve more fruitful results,” according to the presidential statement.
On the industrial zone front, Sisi announced the agreement to launch the third phase of expansions of the Egyptian-Chinese Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, “thereby launching a new phase of operations in key sectors such as renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, textiles, and chemical fibers.” The Egyptian presidency stated that Sisi and Xi discussed a number of regional and international issues of common interest, emphasizing “the alignment of Egyptian and Chinese views on the necessity of prioritizing diplomatic means to achieve comprehensive and sustainable settlements for crises and conflicts.”
They also discussed efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and reaffirmed “their support for efforts to reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement.” Sisi stressed “the priority of de-escalation and respect for the sovereignty and security of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan, as well as the integrity of their territories, ensuring freedom of navigation, and sparing the peoples from the negative repercussions of the crisis.” He stated that Egypt is working to reduce tensions in the region and prioritize diplomatic solutions to resolve crises, thereby contributing to achieving peace and supporting development for the peoples of the region.
The Egyptian presidency stated that the Chinese president emphasized “his country’s high appreciation for the growing and multifaceted cooperative relations with Egypt, and China’s commitment to implementing the decisions of the strategic partnership with Egypt announced in 2014. He highlighted China’s keenness to elevate these relations to broader horizons and continue encouraging Chinese companies to increase their investments in Egypt, leveraging the advantages and foundations provided by the Egyptian market and its strategic location.” He also pointed to “the continued transfer of expertise and technical cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and agriculture, which strengthens relations between the two countries and supports the achievement of their common goals.”
Xi informed his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, during talks in Cairo, that “China is ready to work with regional countries to protect the security of international shipping lanes, enhance developmental cooperation, and eliminate conflict hotspots,” according to the Xinhua News Agency.
The summit concluded with the signing of an agreement and several memoranda of understanding and important documents between Egyptian and Chinese entities in various fields, before President Sisi and his wife hosted a luncheon in honor of the Chinese president and his accompanying delegation.
