The agreeement opens a new phase of activity in key sectors including renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, textiles, and chemical fibres.
The announcement was made by President El-Sisi during expanded talks with President Xi in Cairo, attended by delegations from both countries, followed by the signing of an agreement and several memoranda of understanding as part of the Chinese president’s current official visit to Egypt.
During the talks, El-Sisi welcomed Xi’s historic visit to Egypt, which coincides with the two countries’ celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations, established in 1956. He noted that Egypt was the first Arab and African country to recognize China and establish diplomatic relations with it.
El-Sisi said relations between Cairo and Beijing had developed into a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014, enabling both sides to play an active role in shaping international affairs amid significant and rapid changes in the global order.
He praised the tangible progress made in Egyptian-Chinese relations across various fields, under a clear political will to expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in localizing industry and transferring technology, which he said are priorities for both countries. He expressed Egypt’s eagerness to continue working with China to achieve further fruitful results.
For his part, Xi thanked El-Sisi for the warm welcome and hospitality, stressing China’s deep appreciation for its growing and wide-ranging cooperation with Egypt. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to implementing the strategic partnership agreements announced and its determination to take bilateral relations to a broader level.
Xi also stressed China’s continued efforts to encourage Chinese companies to increase their investments in Egypt and benefit from the advantages and potential offered by the Egyptian market and its strategic location.
He pointed to the continuation of expertise-sharing and technical cooperation in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and agriculture, which would strengthen relations between the two countries and support their shared objectives.
Middle East crises
According to the Egyptian presidency, the two leaders discussed several regional and international issues of mutual concern, stressing the convergence of Egyptian and Chinese views on the need to prioritize diplomatic means to reach comprehensive and lasting settlements to crises and conflicts.
They also discussed efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and reaffirmed their support for efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the war.
In this regard, El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and prioritize diplomatic solutions to resolve crises in a way that contributes to achieving peace and supporting development for the peoples of the region.
The president affirmed Egypt’s readiness to continue coordinating with all regional and international parties, particularly China as a pivotal country and permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC), to strengthen efforts to reduce regional tensions, advance development efforts, and address international challenges that no single country can address alone.
El-Sisi stressed the priority of de-escalation, respect for the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Jordan, ensuring freedom of navigation and protecting peoples from the negative repercussions of the crisis.
President El-Sisi said his meeting with President Xi represented an important opportunity to exchange views and ideas on these issues.
Addressing the latest developments in the Palestinian cause, El-Sisi stressed the need to reach a just settlement in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.
He highlighted Egypt’s efforts to advance the implementation of commitments under the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
The president further stressed the importance of allowing sufficient humanitarian aid into the strip, particularly medical equipment and supplies.
He also praised China’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people and its backing of the two-state solution as the only path toward achieving a just and lasting peace for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples and the region as a whole.
Water security
On water security, El-Sisi underscored the importance of the Nile River to Egypt as its main lifeline, as well as Egypt’s legitimate right to protect its water and food security and development interests.
He called on all Nile Basin countries to abide by international law, including the principle of avoiding causing harm.
For his part, President Xi expressed China’s appreciation for Egypt’s efforts, under President El-Sisi’s leadership, to establish peace and stability in its regional surroundings in the Middle East and Africa.
The Chinese leader stressed Beijing’s keenness to enhance coordination with Cairo at various international forums and on regional and international issues of mutual concern in a way that supports security and development and promotes the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Xi also outlined China’s position on several regional and international issues, stressing the importance of continued joint efforts to defend the interests of developing nations and enhance their contribution to shaping the future of the international system.
At the end of the talks, both presidents agreed to continue efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and intensify consultations on issues of mutual concern.
According to the Egyptian presidency, a number of important documents were also signed during the visit between several Egyptian institutions and their Chinese counterparts.
Earlier, President El-Sisi and First Lady Entissar El-Sisi held an official welcoming ceremony at Cairo’s Al-Ittihadiya Palace for Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan.
President El-Sisi and his wife also hosted a banquet honouring Xi, his wife, and the accompanying delegation.
Wednesday’s ceremony took place on the second day of Xi’s trip, his first visit to Egypt since January 2016, when he addressed Egypt’s newly elected parliament.
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