Cairo: Chinese ambassador to Egypt Liu Licheng stated that Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Egypt at the invitation of Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli is a significant diplomatic milestone, advancing the strategic consensus reached between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the visit marks the Chinese premier's first official trip to Egypt, underscoring the ongoing strengthening and expansion of bilateral relations between the two nations. Ambassador Liu expressed confidence that the visit would inject strong momentum into advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between Egypt and China, highlighting the close partnership between the two countries toward shared goals.
The Chinese diplomat emphasized the strong personal rapport between the two presidents, who agreed to elevate bilateral ties aimed at building a "community of shared future in the new era." Additionally, both leaders participated in commemorative events in Russia earlier this year, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Liu highlighted the mutual support that Egypt and China provide each other on core national interests, noting Egypt's adherence to the "One China" principle and China's consistent support for Egypt's sovereignty and national security. The two countries are intensifying high-level exchanges, bolstering communication among governments, legislative institutions, and political parties, thereby reinforcing mutual political trust.
China is Egypt's largest trading partner and primary source of imports, with Beijing being one of Egypt's key foreign investors. The China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone has significantly contributed to local economic growth and job creation. Chinese companies are investing in various sectors in Egypt, such as new building materials, textiles, renewable energy, and household appliances, leveraging Egypt's strategic geographic location.
Financial cooperation between the two countries supports Egypt's pursuit of sustainable development, and China's modernization model has delivered tangible benefits to the Egyptian people. The ambassador noted that Egypt was the first Arab and African nation to establish diplomatic ties with China, affirming that their traditional friendship has deepened over time.
Last year was designated as the "Year of the China-Egypt Partnership," featuring a wide array of cultural events to enhance mutual understanding. There is growing interest among Egyptians in learning Chinese, supported by increased direct air travel, while the Chinese public shows strong enthusiasm for Egyptian culture.
A joint Chinese-Egyptian archaeological team recently discovered a temple in one of Egypt's ancient capitals, marking a significant cultural collaboration achievement. Liu stated that China and Egypt exemplify a new model of international relations with strategic significance beyond the bilateral framework, maintaining close coordination within the United Nations and promoting cooperation among Global South countries through various multilateral platforms.
Both countries advocate for political solutions to international crises and contribute to global stability, including in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Ukraine. Liu reaffirmed China's support for Egypt's initiative to rebuild Gaza and the joint statement by Egypt and over 20 Arab and Islamic countries calling for regional peace efforts.
China-Arab relations have reached historic levels, with trade volume between China and Arab countries surpassing $400 billion in 2024. The Belt and Road Initiative now includes all 22 Arab states, providing benefits to people across both regions. Looking ahead, 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt, coinciding with the anticipated second China-Arab Summit in China, expected to usher in a new phase in China-Egypt and China-Arab relations.
Liu expressed hope that Premier Qiang's visit would reinforce traditional friendship, deepen cooperation, and advance China-Egypt relations towards building a community with a shared future, contributing to developing a higher-level China-Arab community of shared future.