China's Xi Jinping visits Egypt for first time in a decade

Chinese President Xi Jinping made his first visit to Egypt since 2016, arriving in Cairo on Tuesday to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The visit marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Presidential spokesman Mohamed el-Shennawy said the visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and follow up on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2014, as well as consultations on regional and international issues. China's Foreign Ministry described relations as at their best state in history. Trade between the two countries reached nearly $20.7 billion by end of 2025, with China being Egypt's largest non-petroleum trading partner. Chinese investments are focused in the Suez Canal area, including the TEDA cooperation zone with about 200 companies and investments exceeding $3.8 billion. In published articles, both leaders highlighted the strength of ties. El-Sisi thanked China for its solidarity on the Nile water issue with Ethiopia, while Xi emphasized shared vision for global stability and support for Palestinian rights. The visit occurs amid regional instability, including the Gaza conflict and US-Israel war on Iran.