Premier Li's Egypt visit highlights growing Sino-Egyptian ties

The China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Suez, Egypt, May 29, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

By Mohamed El-Bendary

As the world power shifts and we witness the emergence of a multipolar world, ties between China and Egypt are further advancing in the fields of energy, artificial intelligence, electronics, electric vehicles, water desalination, solar panels, the textile industry, chemicals, and the construction of high-speed Egyptian rail lines. Relations between the two countries have greatly flourished over the past decade, with numerous major trade agreements signed, including the comprehensive strategic partnership. This partnership links Egypt's Vision 2030 economic plan to China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

To further deepen cooperation and enhance the relationship between China and Egypt, Chinese Premier Li Qiang will pay an official two-day visit to Egypt on July 9 after attending the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil.

Li's anticipated visit to Egypt, which officially gained a BRICS membership in January 2024, signifies the flourishing economic and political ties between the two nations, as well as the enduring friendship between the Egyptian and Chinese peoples, which dates back to the 1950s. At their Cairo meeting, Chinese Premier Li and Egyptian leaders will exchange views on developing China-Egypt relations, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, and addressing issues of common concern.

Egypt was the first Arab and African country to recognize and establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China in 1956. During the "tripartite aggression" on the Suez Canal months later, China strongly supported Egypt. Cairo has also maintained its strong support for the one-China principle, with ties flourishing under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Following the Trump administration's recent demand that U.S. vessels pass through the Suez Canal at no charge, Beijing issued a statement emphasizing Egypt's sovereignty and legitimate rights over the management and operation of the canal.

China remains Egypt's largest trading partner, with Beijing viewing Cairo as a crucial commercial and economic partner. Launched in 2014, the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries has flourished and is entering a "golden decade." With more than 2,800 Chinese companies operating in Egypt, China's technical and financial support has become crucial in the construction of major Egyptian projects.

An office building of the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Suez, Egypt, September 7, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

Furthermore, China has invested billions of dollars in the Suez Canal Economic Zone – a major source of income for Egypt – and in free industrial zones such as the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, which connects the Suez Canal and the BRI. Chinese companies in Egypt are creating jobs for Egyptian youths and advancing their knowledge in advanced fields as well. For example, the Chinese tech giant Huawei has launched training programs in artificial intelligence for 25,000 students at Egyptian universities.

Ties between Egypt and China have deep roots that date back to the Silk Road, which boosted trade and cultural exchange between the two ancient civilizations about 2,000 years ago. It is no wonder, then, that Beijing and Cairo have launched programs aimed at promoting cultural and tourism exchanges between their countries, with 300,000 Chinese visitors to Egypt last year. Cooperations in cultural heritage projects are also thriving.

China aims to establish regional peace and promote global justice, as evidenced by its diplomatic efforts to revive ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Beijing's fair stance on crucial political issues, such as the Palestinian cause, has also gained it the respect of Arabs.

There will be a busy agenda for China and Egypt in the coming months, with the convening of several joint investment forums. Hence, Premier Li's visit will serve as a milestone in further advancing the genuine relationship between China and Egypt, and reinforce Egypt's linchpin role in the Middle East and Africa.

Mohamed El-Bendary, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a Cairo-based freelance writer and independent researcher. His commentaries have appeared in major international media outlets.