Xi Jinping Heads To Egypt As China Seeks Deeper Strategic Partnership

By Mintesinot Nigussie  |  September 3, 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo on September 1 for a state visit to Egypt, as Beijing and Cairo seek to deepen their strategic partnership, expand Chinese investment and strengthen cooperation on infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and agriculture.

Xi was invited by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The Egyptian president and First Lady Entissar El-Sisi received Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Al-Ittihadiya Palace. The official reception included a guard of honour, a 21-gun salute and the national anthems of Egypt and China.

The reception was followed by expanded talks attended by delegations from both countries, during which an agreement and several memoranda of understanding were signed. El-Sisi and his wife later hosted a luncheon for Xi, his wife and the accompanying Chinese delegation.

In a written statement after his arrival, Xi described China and Egypt as ancient civilisations with a longstanding friendship that has strengthened over the seven decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

He said the two countries had maintained cooperation despite changes in the international and regional environment, while bilateral ties had expanded significantly in recent years.

During the talks, Xi expressed appreciation for the reception and said China remained committed to implementing the terms of the comprehensive strategic partnership established with Egypt in 2014.

He said Beijing wanted to take the partnership to a broader level and would encourage Chinese companies to increase investment in Egypt, citing the country’s market potential and strategic location.

The two sides also discussed technical cooperation and the exchange of expertise in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and agriculture.

The talks come as China continues to deepen economic engagement with Egypt, which occupies a strategic position linking Africa, the Middle East and major global trade routes.

Beyond bilateral economic ties, the two leaders discussed a range of regional and international issues, including conflicts in the Middle East, the war in Gaza and the Palestinian question.

Xi and El-Sisi said diplomatic means should be prioritised in efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable solutions to regional crises. They also discussed efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East and expressed support for efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the war.

El-Sisi stressed the importance of de-escalation, respect for the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan, freedom of navigation and protection of civilians from the consequences of regional conflicts.

On Gaza, El-Sisi called for a just settlement of the Palestinian question based on international legitimacy resolutions. He highlighted Egyptian efforts to implement the second phase of the agreement aimed at ending the war in Gaza and stressed the need for sufficient humanitarian assistance, particularly medical equipment and supplies.

El-Sisi also welcomed China’s support for Palestinian rights and the two-state solution, which he described as the only path towards lasting peace for Palestinians, Israelis and the wider region.

The Egyptian president separately raised the Nile River, describing it as vital to Egypt’s water and food security and development interests. He called on Nile Basin countries to comply with international law, including the obligation not to cause harm.

Xi praised Egypt’s efforts under El-Sisi to promote peace and stability in its regional environment and said China wanted to strengthen coordination with Cairo in international forums and on regional and global issues.

The Chinese president also called for continued cooperation between the two countries in defending the interests of developing countries and strengthening their role in shaping the future international order.

The two presidents agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and increase consultations on issues of common interest. Additional agreements and other documents were signed between Egyptian and Chinese entities on the sidelines of the visit.

Source: FSX Business News