Amer Solyman, Hussien Elkabany, and Ikram Kouachi
02 September 2026•Update: 02 September 2026
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Wednesday witnessed the signing of an agreement and memorandums of understanding between Egyptian and Chinese entities, according to the Egyptian Presidency.
The signing followed an expanded meeting between the two presidents and delegations from both countries at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo, according to the presidency.
Economic cooperation
Sisi and his Chinese counterpart discussed ways to enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries and regional issues on Wednesday, according to Egyptian media.
The talks focused on strengthening cooperation between Cairo and Beijing, as well as exchanging views on regional developments and issues of mutual concern, Egypt's state-linked Al-Qahera News reported.
Sisi said that the two countries have a “clear political will to elevate the prospects of bilateral cooperation, particularly through localizing industry and transferring technology,” according to the statement.
He also said the two countries are launching a new phase of cooperation in renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, textiles and chemical fibers, while announcing the launch of the third phase of expansions at the China-Egypt industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Sisi described Xi’s visit as “historic” and said the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014 had enabled the two countries to play an active role in shaping international interactions amid major changes in the global order.
Bilateral trade between Egypt and China reached about $20.78 billion in 2025, up from $17.37 billion in 2024, representing growth of 19.6%, according to the Egyptian statement.
Regional tensions, diplomacy
The two presidents also affirmed their support for efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the war in the region, Egypt's state-linked Al-Qahera News reported.
Sisi said Egypt is working to “reduce regional escalation and prioritize diplomatic solutions to resolve crises,” expressing readiness to continue “coordinating with regional and international parties, particularly China, to help ease tensions.”
The Egyptian and Chinese presidents also affirmed that responsibility for governance of the Red Sea rests with the coastal states, according to the presidency.
The two leaders stressed the need to “prioritize diplomatic means to reach comprehensive and sustainable settlements to regional and international crises and conflicts.”
Sisi also stressed the importance of reducing escalation, respecting the sovereignty and security of Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan and the safety of their territories, ensuring freedom of navigation, and sparing peoples the negative consequences of the crisis.
Just settlement for Palestine
The talks also covered developments in the Palestinian issue, with Sisi stressing the need for a “just settlement in accordance with international legitimacy” and highlighting Egypt’s efforts to “advance implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.”
He stressed the importance of “allowing sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza, particularly medical equipment and supplies,” and praised China’s “support for Palestinian rights and the two-state solution as the only path to lasting and sustainable peace.”
Xi said Beijing is “keen to elevate relations with Egypt to broader horizons” and will continue “encouraging Chinese companies to increase their investments in the country and benefit from the advantages of the Egyptian market.”
Xi also affirmed China’s commitment to implementing the comprehensive strategic partnership with Egypt announced in 2014, according to the Egyptian Presidency.
The two leaders held talks in the Egyptian capital Cairo following an official reception ceremony for Xi at Al-Ittihadiya Palace, according to an Anadolu correspondent.
Xi’s visit is the first by a Chinese president to Egypt in 10 years and his second since taking office. The three-day visit began Tuesday.
The presidency said a number of additional important documents were also signed on the sidelines of the visit between Egyptian and Chinese entities, beyond those whose signing ceremony was witnessed by the two presidents.
Egypt and China established diplomatic relations in 1956, making Egypt the first Arab and African country to recognize the People’s Republic of China.
Beijing backed Cairo during the 1956 Suez Crisis, while Egypt supported China’s restoration of its seat at the UN in 1971.
The countries established a strategic partnership in 1999, which was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2014 during Sisi’s visit to Beijing.
