President El-Sisi outlines vision for enhanced Egypt-China partnership ahead of Xi Jinping’s visit
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to discuss a new phase in Egypt-China strategic cooperation, marking 70 years since Egypt became the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1956. President Xi Jinping’s visit to Egypt is part of a wider trip from August 30 to September 3, which also includes participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek. In a bylined article, President El-Sisi framed the relationship as a bond between two ancient civilizations, two central states in the Global South, and two partners seeking a more balanced, fair, and development-oriented world. The visit is expected to go beyond traditional diplomacy, focusing on a comprehensive strategic partnership spanning politics, infrastructure, industry, trade, technology, logistics, and the future of the Global South. Egypt's strategic advantages, including its political and diplomatic weight in the Arab world and Africa, its Mediterranean and Red Sea access, and control of the Suez Canal, are highlighted as crucial to China. The modern transformation of Egypt-China relations accelerated in 2014, elevating ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Cooperation extends to major national projects like the Central Business District in the New Capital and the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which is envisioned as an industrial heart for future collaboration, attracting Chinese direct investment
