Xi Jinping arrives in Egypt for talks with el-Sisi
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo on the evening of September 1 for a two-day official visit — his first to Egypt in ten years. On September 2, he is scheduled to hold talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. At the airport, the Chinese leader and his wife Peng Liyuan were welcomed by el-Sisi and Egypt’s First Lady Entissar Amer, Channel NewsAsia reports, citing AFP.
Economic agreements
During the summit, the presidents are expected to sign a number of economic agreements. They may concern expanding economic trade, as well as cooperation in artificial intelligence, transport and energy.
The sides are also expected to discuss the consequences of the war between the United States and Iran. China and Egypt plan to discuss expanding investment in the Suez Canal economic zone amid threats to global maritime trade caused by this war.
Chinese investment has already played a role in major projects of the el-Sisi administration. In particular, Beijing financed a business and financial district with skyscrapers in the New Administrative Capital, located 50 kilometers east of Cairo.
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Sanctions and foreign policy
The visit comes amid Washington’s intentions to increase Iran’s economic isolation and expand sanctions that could affect, among others, Chinese banks. Last week, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the Emirati branch of Egypt’s Banque Misr over alleged support for Iran.
In an article published in Egyptian media on September 1, el-Sisi emphasized Cairo’s independent foreign policy. He also called Egypt and China partners in “strengthening the role of the Global South” in an increasingly polarized world. In August, Egypt held joint combat aviation exercises with the Chinese military involving Chinese J-16 fighter jets.
Trade between the countries
China is a major exporter to Egypt. According to Chinese customs data, China’s trade surplus with Egypt reached $12 billion in the first seven months of 2026. Xi Jinping’s visit program also includes a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza pyramids.
