Cairo: In a significant diplomatic engagement, His Excellency President Xi Jinping of China visited Egypt at the invitation of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. This visit, which took place on September 1 and 2, 2026, marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The visit underscored Egypt's pivotal role as the first Arab and African country to recognize the People's Republic of China in 1956.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the relationship between Egypt and China has seen remarkable development over the past seven decades, characterized by mutual trust, equality, and cooperative outcomes. The official discussions between the two Presidents focused on further strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was inaugurated in 2014. They reviewed the progress achieved in bilateral relations and exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues, reaching a broad consensus.
The meeting resulted in agreements to enhance strategic coordination through high-level exchanges and to consolidate cooperation across various fields. Both sides expressed their commitment to supporting each other on core interests, with China recognizing Egypt's right to protect its water and food security, and Egypt affirming support for China's territorial integrity and the One-China principle. The discussions also highlighted China's appreciation for Egypt's developmental achievements and Egypt's recognition of China's progress under President Xi Jinping's leadership.
The Presidents discussed major projects in infrastructure, energy, and technology, emphasizing joint efforts in the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Suez Canal Economic Zone. They pledged to align Egypt's Vision 2030 with the Belt and Road Cooperation Initiative, aiming to transform Egypt into a regional hub for industry, logistics, and clean energy. Financial cooperation, including the issuance of Chinese "Panda" bonds and local currency swap arrangements, was also addressed, with both leaders welcoming the renewal of currency swap agreements.
Tourism, culture, education, and media were identified as key areas for expanding bilateral cooperation. The Presidents also agreed to settle trade transactions in local currencies and work towards a balanced trade volume, with plans to increase the entry of Egyptian products into the Chinese market.
On regional and international fronts, the discussions emphasized political and security coordination, with both leaders expressing concern over the Palestinian issue and supporting a two-state solution. They also stressed the importance of stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, while highlighting Egypt's role in supporting regional security. The partnership between the two nations was hailed as a model for cooperation among major developing countries, promoting a more equitable international order.
The visit concluded with President Xi Jinping expressing gratitude for Egypt's hospitality and extending an invitation to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to visit China, which he accepted. The Egyptian and Chinese leaders valued the outcomes of this visit, considering it a significant milestone in their bilateral relations.