On September 1, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping released a signed editorial titled “Celebrating 70 Years of Solidarity, China and Egypt Embark on a New Journey” in the Egyptian dailies Al‑Ahram, Al‑Akhbar and Al‑Gomhuria as part of his preparations for a state visit to Cairo. The piece, published in advance of his arrival, outlines the history of Sino‑Egyptian ties, current cooperation achievements and future plans.
In the opening remarks, Xi welcomed the invitation from President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi and noted his previous visit a decade earlier, during which he was struck by Egypt’s ancient civilization and its “booming vitality and upward momentum.” He compared the enduring friendship to an Egyptian proverb, “Once you drink from the Nile, you are destined to return,” and expressed a desire to renew the partnership and chart a new blueprint for a comprehensive strategic relationship.
Xi highlighted the shared heritage of the two great civilizations, tracing the origins of Chinese culture to the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers and that of Egypt to the Nile. He recalled the ancient Silk Road exchanges, noting that Chinese porcelain, silk and paper‑making technologies crossed the seas to reach Egypt, while Egyptian aromatics, glassware and calendrical knowledge found their way westward. He cited Chinese artifacts unearthed in Fustat as evidence of the long‑standing bond between the peoples.
Seventy years ago, China and Egypt formally established diplomatic relations, marking the beginning of China’s friendly cooperation with Arab and African states. Xi described the relationship as having “braved wind and rain” and remaining robust through changing international landscapes, serving as a model for China’s engagement with the Arab world and Africa and for solidarity among developing countries.
The editorial then reviewed the depth of bilateral cooperation. Egypt is China’s major trading and investment partner in the Arab world and Africa and was among the first to join Belt and Road initiatives. Ten years ago, Xi and President El‑Sisi unveiled the China‑Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, which has attracted substantial investment, created many local jobs and aided Egypt’s modernization efforts. Xi also cited other successful joint projects, such as Africa’s tallest building and the first intercity electric light rail built in Egypt by Chinese enterprises, and the export of Egyptian oranges to China as the first African produce to benefit from China’s zero‑tariff policy for diplomatic partners.
Cultural exchanges have also flourished. Egypt was the first Arab or African nation to sign a cultural cooperation agreement with New China, and visitors from Egypt have shown great interest in the Grand Egyptian Museum, while a Shanghai Museum exhibition on “The Civilization of Ancient Egypt” sold out immediately. In Egypt, Chinese language is taught in more than 40 middle schools, and vocational education cooperation has benefited many Egyptians. These exchanges reinforce the “everlasting friendship” between the two peoples.
Politically, Xi recalled the shared support for each other’s core interests, such as China’s sovereignty over the Suez Canal and the restoration of the PRC’s lawful seat in the United Nations. Both sides also affirm support for the Palestinian cause and the pursuit of a political settlement to regional hotspots, emphasizing their commitment to fairness, justice and multilateralism.
Looking ahead, Xi noted that both countries are at critical stages of national revitalization. China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan is underway, while Egypt is advancing its New Republic and Vision 2030. He pledged that China will work with Egypt to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership, build a community with a shared future, and jointly pursue modernization.
He called for continued mutual trust, equality and friendship, stressing the importance of supporting each other on core interests and expanding exchanges across all sectors. Xi urged both sides to pursue win‑win cooperation, harness China’s industrial system and Egypt’s market potential, and expand high‑quality Belt and Road cooperation to sustain joint development.
In the realm of civilization, Xi urged both nations to champion equality, mutual learning and dialogue, to implement the Global Civilization Initiative, protect cultural heritage and promote harmonious coexistence of different civilizations. He highlighted the potential to deepen cooperation in education, tourism, science and technology, health, sports and archaeology, thereby strengthening the bond between the peoples.
Xi concluded by calling for proactive multilateralism, enhanced coordination and joint action on the four global initiatives—development, security, civilization and governance—to uphold world peace, stability and justice. He emphasized Egypt’s pivotal role in China‑Arab and China‑Africa cooperation, noting Egypt’s unique position linking the Arab world to Africa and the potential to further demonstrate China’s cooperation models, including the “five cooperation frameworks” and the ten partnership actions for modernization.
As the 70‑year anniversary of diplomatic ties approaches, Xi underscored that China and Egypt have weathered many challenges together and now embark on a new journey of enterprise and fortitude. He pledged that China would continue to support Egypt’s aspirations, build on past achievements, and work jointly toward prosperity and rejuvenation for both nations and their peoples.
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