This visit—Premier Li Qiang’s first to Egypt since assuming office—reflected the growing political trust, shared vision for development, and enduring friendship between two of the world’s oldest civilizations.
High-level talks and shared vision
Premier Li Qiang was received with high honours by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya Presidential Palace. The two leaders held comprehensive discussions covering bilateral relations, regional developments, and global challenges. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Comprehensive
Strategic Partnership established in 2014, emphasizing shared respect for sovereignty, mutual benefit, and coordination on international issues.
President El-Sisi underscored Egypt’s appreciation for China’s longstanding support and called for closer alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Egypt’s Vision 2030. In turn, Premier Li Qiang highlighted Egypt’s pivotal geographic and political role in linking China to the Arab world, Africa, and Europe.
Meeting with the Arab League
During his visit, Premier Li Qiang also met with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, at the organization’s headquarters in Cairo.
The meeting highlighted China’s longstanding support for Arab causes—especially the Palestinian issue—and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening China-Arab cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure, and digital innovation.
Premier Li Qiang expressed China’s willingness to work with Arab states to promote regional peace and development. Both sides looked ahead to the upcoming China–Arab States Cooperation Forum summit.
Key agreements signed
The visit witnessed the signing of several landmark agreements and memoranda of understanding, setting the stage for expanded cooperation in key sectors:
- Economic and Investment Cooperation: Agreements to expand Chinese investments in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) and develop joint industrial zones, with a focus on infrastructure, green energy, and advanced manufacturing.
- Financial Collaboration: Enhanced financial coordination, exploration of local currency settlement mechanisms, and deeper banking cooperation to support stable and diversified trade.
- Technology and Innovation: New frameworks for cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and high-tech industrial development.
- Health and Medicine: Memoranda to bolster collaboration in pharmaceuticals, medical research, and healthcare innovation, building on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Education and Cultural Exchange: Agreements to expand university partnerships, increase scholarship programs, and promote Chinese language and cultural studies in Egypt.
- Tourism and Civil Aviation: Plans to increase flight connectivity and promote tourism flows, including direct charter flights and joint promotional campaigns.
Celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties
Premier Li Qiang’s visit also laid the groundwork for commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and China in 2026.
Egypt was the first Arab and African country to recognize the People’s Republic of China in 1956—an act of political vision that laid the foundation for decades of mutual solidarity.
Both sides expressed their intention to celebrate this milestone through high-level exchanges, cultural festivals, academic dialogues, and public diplomacy initiatives throughout 2026.
Broader diplomatic engagement
In addition to his meeting with President El-Sisi, Premier Li Qiang held talks with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and participated in a high-level Egypt–China Business Forum attended by leading companies and investors from both countries. The forum highlighted Egypt’s role as a strategic investment destination and reaffirmed Chinese interest in long-term cooperation.
A joint statement was also issued, outlining shared positions on major international issues, including support for the Palestinian cause, the importance of peaceful conflict resolution, and a commitment to a multipolar world order grounded in the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter.
A visit of strategic depth
Premier Li Qiang’s visit, though brief, was rich in outcomes and symbolism.
It reflected the maturity of bilateral ties and the growing synergy between Egyptian and Chinese development agendas.
The signing of strategic documents and the renewed diplomatic momentum signal a future of deeper cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres.
Looking ahead
With this successful visit, Egypt and China have reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a model of South–South cooperation rooted in mutual respect, solidarity, and sustainable development.
As both countries move forward with confidence, the outcomes of this visit are expected to translate into tangible projects, stronger institutions, and enhanced people-to-people ties.
As one Egyptian official remarked: “This visit was not only historic—it was productive, forward-looking, and full of promise.”
*The writer is a Member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs.
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