Chinese premier visits Egypt to bolster growing partnership

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is visiting Cairo for two days of meetings with top Egyptian officials, including Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

The talks are focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and infrastructure, according to The National.

“China and Egypt, as key members of the Global South, should deepen strategic coordination to protect their shared interests,” Mr. Li said in brief remarks upon arrival.

Observers note that Egypt has increasingly turned to China as ties with the U.S. have cooled, partly due to tensions over the Gaza war and comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump about relocating Palestinians to the Sinai, which Egypt vehemently objects.

Egypt recently confirmed it had acquired China’s HQ-9B long-range air defense system after struggling to secure advanced weapons from Western suppliers. The two countries also held their first joint air force drills earlier this year.

China continues to expand its economic footprint in Egypt through major infrastructure investments. This week, the central banks of both countries signed three agreements to encourage the use of the Chinese yuan and enhance electronic payment systems, Egypt’s central bank said.

Chinese tourism is also growing, with Air China launching a new direct flight from Beijing to Cairo this week.

A cabinet statement said new deals are expected to boost Chinese investment in Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), a vital hub for trade and logistics.