Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo on Tuesday, September 1, for a two-day official visit aimed at giving fresh impetus to the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Egypt, as the two countries mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Received at the airport by his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi, Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to hold high-level talks with Egyptian officials during his two-day visit to Cairo on strengthening bilateral relations, economic and trade cooperation, as well as several regional and international issues of common interest.
It is Xi Jinping’s second official visit to Egypt, following his trip in January 2016. The latest meeting comes amid expanding exchanges between the two countries and Beijing and Cairo’s stated determination to broaden cooperation into new areas.
According to remarks made on his arrival, Xi Jinping intends to work with Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi to define the next priorities of the comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Chinese leader notably highlighted mutual support between the two countries and their determination to continue cooperating in a rapidly changing international environment.
Several agreements are expected to be concluded at the end of talks scheduled for Wednesday, September 2. Their content and scope, however, will have to be assessed in light of the agreements actually signed and made public following the discussions.
In a welcome letter issued on Tuesday, Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi highlighted the diversification of Egyptian-Chinese relations, citing trade, investment, tourism, as well as scientific and cultural exchanges.
The Egyptian President said the momentum was the result of closer ties developed over a decade, while calling for further expansion of areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Diplomatic relations between Cairo and Beijing were established on May 30, 1956. Egypt was then the first Arab and African country to recognise the People’s Republic of China.
In 2014, the two countries elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Xi Jinping’s visit is therefore part of an already structured cooperation framework, with significant stakes in the economic, trade, political and security fields.
Egypt also occupies a strategic position in North Africa and the Middle East, while China is seeking to consolidate its partnerships with African and Arab countries.
The key issue will therefore be to assess the concrete commitments emerging from the Cairo summit, beyond statements of principle, particularly in investment, infrastructure, trade and political and security cooperation.
MK/te/Sf/lb/gik/APA