Xi’s Egypt visit set to deepen Global South cooperation
Chinese president’s first Egypt visit in decade comes as both countries seek stronger development ties and greater influence for developing nations
CAIRO, Egypt (MNTV) — Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Egypt and meet President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as Beijing and Cairo mark 70 years of diplomatic relations and seek to deepen cooperation among developing countries.
The visit, which would be Xi’s first trip to Egypt in a decade, comes amid shifts in the international system and growing calls from countries in the Global South for a greater role in global economic and political decision-making, reported China’s CGTN news.
China and Egypt established diplomatic relations on May 30, 1956, making Egypt the first Arab and African country to recognize the People’s Republic of China. Their relationship has since developed from diplomatic ties into strategic cooperation and, in 2014, a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The two governments have increasingly presented their relationship as extending beyond bilateral interests.
Xi has described the partnership as an example of cooperation among developing nations, while Sisi has expressed support for working with China toward a more balanced multipolar international system.
Momentum behind the relationship has increased this year. Xi and Sisi exchanged messages in May to commemorate the diplomatic anniversary, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in July that Beijing was prepared to maintain high-level exchanges and increase coordination on international issues.
Economic cooperation has also expanded beyond individual infrastructure projects. A China-Egypt Development Cooperation Strategy covering 2025 to 2029 was signed during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Egypt in July 2025. The framework includes healthcare, connectivity, climate policy, green development and the digital economy.
A major example of the partnership is the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Located around 120 kilometers from Cairo, the industrial area has developed into a manufacturing and logistics center benefiting from Egypt’s position along major international trade routes.
More than 3,300 Chinese companies are operating in Egypt, with activities ranging from textiles and solar-panel production to chemicals, automobiles and logistics, according to Egypt’s General Authority for Investment and Free Zones.
The expanding presence reflects a shift toward manufacturing, technology transfer and export-oriented production rather than investment focused solely on infrastructure.
Egypt also sees its geographic position as an important component of its partnership with China. Cairo has indicated that it can serve as a gateway for Chinese trade and investment into Africa, linking Asian production networks with African and Arab markets.
The two countries have also developed common positions on several international issues, including climate change, food and water security, sustainable development and reform of international institutions.
A 2024 joint statement by Xi and Sisi called for adherence to the UN Charter and reforms that would make international institutions more representative.
China and Egypt cooperate through platforms including the United Nations, the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
Egypt’s entry into BRICS in 2024 has further expanded opportunities for coordination among developing economies.
The strengthening of China-Egypt relations comes as countries across the Global South face challenges involving energy, food security, supply chains, climate change and access to development financing.
Egyptian policy emphasizes diversified international partnerships and independent decision-making rather than alignment with a single geopolitical bloc.
Xi’s visit is expected to place particular emphasis on manufacturing, technology transfer, renewable energy, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, digital development and smart agriculture.
The two sides could also seek to use Egypt’s strategic location to establish export and production networks connecting Asia, Africa, the Arab world and Europe.
After seven decades of diplomatic relations, the focus of the partnership is increasingly shifting toward translating political ties into industrial production, skills development, technology, markets and food security.
The planned visit is therefore expected to reinforce China-Egypt cooperation while highlighting the two countries’ shared interest in giving developing nations a stronger role in shaping the international economic and political order.
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