China’s President Xi Jinping is on a state visit to Egypt for the first time in 10 years, in a move that is expected to deepen economic, trade and strategic cooperation between China and Africa.
Xi will meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for talks on expanding their comprehensive strategic partnership and promoting cooperation in important sectors such as trade, investment and infrastructure and security.
The leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and international affairs, with a special focus on boosting cooperation between China and African countries against the backdrop of shifting global economic and geopolitical landscapes.
The visit comes on the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and China, a partnership which has blossomed into one of China’s most important relationships on the African continent.
Bilateral ties have been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership since 2014 and cooperation between the two countries has expanded significantly in economic, industrial and defense sectors.
Economic relations have continued to deepen, with Egyptian companies signing 17 export deals worth some 168 million dollars with Chinese buyers last month. The pacts include agricultural products, textiles, minerals and engineering goods.
China remains one of Egypt’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching some $19.52 billion in 2025, the Egyptian Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade said.
Defense cooperation has expanded beyond trade, with the two countries holding the joint Eagles of Civilization 2026 air exercise at Egyptian military bases earlier this month.
The visit highlights Egypt’s emerging role as a strategic gateway for Chinese investment and engagement in Africa, and is a boost to Beijing’s wider efforts to forge stronger partnerships across the continent, analysts say.
The visit is expected to result in new agreements aimed at boosting economic cooperation, opening up markets and supporting development projects that support Africa’s industrialization and trade ambitions.