Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Cairo for meeting with Egypt President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi

Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Cairo on Wednesday, marking the beginning of a state visit to Egypt. The trip follows a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan, where China, Russia, and other members underscored their commitment to a multi-polar global order. During his arrival at Cairo International Airport, Xi was greeted by Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, who extended a warm welcome with a 21-gun salute and an honor guard at Ittihadiya Palace. Xi Jinping and Sisi exchanged pleasantries upon landing, with both leaders emphasizing the enduring nature of their bilateral relationship. According to Chinese state media Xinhua, Xi described China and Egypt as "ancient civilizations" with a "traditional friendship that has endured for thousands of years." He noted that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 70 years ago, the two nations have supported each other through changing international circumstances and pursued mutually beneficial cooperation. During the visit, Xi is expected to engage in detailed discussions with Sisi on China-Egypt relations, comprehensive collaboration between the two countries, and pressing international and regional matters. In remarks attributed to him, Xi urged the rejection of "external interference" in the Middle East and called for external powers to abandon double standards in the region. This aligns with broader efforts by China to promote its vision of a more balanced global order. Sisi, in turn, referred to Xi as a "dear guest on the banks of the Nile" and expressed deep affection for the Chinese people. He highlighted the growing partnership between Egypt and China in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Sisi noted that bilateral relations are grounded in mutual respect, shared interests, and cooperative spirit. He also remarked that this visit marks a new phase in the evolving relationship between the two nations. Xi acknowledged that Egypt was the first Arab and African nation to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. This historical context underscores the significance of the current visit, which aims to deepen strategic cooperation and enhance mutual understanding. The visit coincides with increased economic and diplomatic engagement between Egypt and several other countries, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. In addition to high-level talks, the visit includes visits to key sites in Cairo and opportunities for cultural and business exchanges. Egypt’s Heliopolis and Helwan military factories recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkey’s state-owned MKE conglomerate at the Sarajevo expo, reflecting the strengthening ties between Cairo and Ankara. These developments highlight the expanding network of partnerships involving Egypt and other regional players. Meanwhile, the visit takes place against a backdrop of heightened tensions involving U.S.-led sanctions targeting entities linked to Iran. Reports suggest that Egyptian and Chinese banks could face additional scrutiny under Washington’s expanded sanctions regime. As part of its strategy to maintain influence in the region, Beijing is reportedly seeking to strengthen relationships with nations that are perceived as allies of the United States, particularly ahead of upcoming meetings between U.S. President Donald Trump and Xi. Despite these geopolitical complexities, the focus of the current visit remains on reinforcing the foundations of China-Egypt cooperation. Both leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to a stable and prosperous future for their respective nations while addressing challenges that require joint action. The visit is anticipated to yield tangible outcomes, including agreements on trade, infrastructure, and security cooperation, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two countries.