At the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Egypt on 1–2 September 2026, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, when Egypt became the first Arab and African country to recognise the People’s Republic of China in 1956.
The two leaders held official talks covering bilateral ties and regional and international issues. They agreed to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership launched in 2014, maintain high‑level exchanges, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, and coordinate on global governance to defend the interests of developing countries and the Global South.
China acknowledged the vital importance Nile River to Egypt’s water and food security, while Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to the One‑China principle, recognising Taiwan as part of China. Both sides expressed appreciation for each other’s national development achievements, with Egypt’s “New Republic” and China’s progress under Xi Jinping.
The statement praised the ongoing cooperation in infrastructure, transport, energy, manufacturing, space and technology, including Belt and Road projects and the Suez Canal Economic Zone. The two sides pledged deeper alignment between Egypt Vision 2030 and Belt and Road initiative, aiming to make Egypt a regional hub for industry, logistics, clean energy and the digital economy. Areas of cooperation include electric vehicles, shipbuilding, renewable energy, desalination, semiconductors, cybersecurity, space applications, critical minerals, agriculture and human capacity building.
Financial cooperation was expanded through “Panda bonds,” currency swaps and greater use of local currencies in trade. Both sides welcomed efforts to balance trade, increase Egyptian exports to China and continue consultations on the “early harvest” agreement. Tourism, culture, education, youth exchanges and joint celebrations for the 70th anniversary were also emphasised.
On security, Egypt and China agreed to intensify cooperation against terrorism and transnational crime, accelerate talks on extradition treaties and reject double standards in counter‑terrorism. China praised Egypt’s “Decent Life” initiative, while Egypt valued China’s Global Development, Global Civilisation, Global Security and Global Governance initiatives.
Regionally, both leaders reaffirmed support for a two‑state solution to the Palestinian issue, rejected displacement plans, called for stabilising the ceasefire in Gaza and expressed concern over Israeli escalation in the West Bank and Jerusalem. They stressed respect for Sudan’s sovereignty and the need to end the conflict through a Sudanese‑owned political process, and underlined that Red Sea governance rests with littoral states. They welcomed Egypt’s role in regional stability and China’s vision for peace in the Middle East.
The statement confirmed continued cooperation in BRICS, the UN, the G20 and other forums, with Egypt supporting China’s upcoming BRICS presidency in 2027. Both sides praised collaboration in the China–Arab and China–Africa forums and agreed to amplify the voice of the Global South in international governance.
President Xi thanked Egypt for the warm welcome and generous hospitality and invited President El‑Sisi to visit China. The visit was described as a milestone in the evolution of Egypt–China relations, strategic partnership, Belt and Road cooperation, and Global South coordination.
