Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Cairo on Wednesday for his first official visit to Egypt, where he was greeted by his counterpart Mostafa Madbouly at the start of a trip aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. Li, who is heading a high-level delegation, was given an official reception ceremony at Cairo International Airport, which included the playing of both nations' national anthems and an inspection of the guard of honour, a statement from Madbouly's office said.
The two premiers are scheduled to co-chair an expanded session of talks and witness the signing of several agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Upon his arrival, Li emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations, noting that Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China nearly 70 years ago.
"The ancient Silk Road linked our two peoples across thousands of miles, and our friendship has stood the test of time," Li said in a statement. "Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, our cooperation continues to deepen, setting a model for South-South cooperation."
Li added that China views Egypt as a key partner in the Global South and is eager to enhance collaboration across political, economic, and multilateral platforms. During the visit, the two sides are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in infrastructure, energy, trade, and technology, as well as joint efforts to promote regional stability and sustainable development.
He concluded by affirming China's commitment to contributing positively to Egypt's development and to building a stronger "China-Egypt community with a shared future."
In June, Egypt and China agreed to strengthen economic cooperation in key sectors such as electric vehicles, electronics, and artificial intelligence, and will coordinate to organise an investment promotion forum in Egypt, the Egyptian Investment Ministry said.
The agreement came during a meeting in Beijing between Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in several fields, including electric cars, feeder industries, electronics, water desalination, solar panels, and artificial intelligence. They also agreed to collaborate on strengthening supply chains.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao praised the bilateral trade volume, which has reached $17bn, affirming that China remains Egypt's largest trading partner.
He highlighted successful investment cooperation in the TEDA-Suez zone, which has attracted significant Chinese investment, alongside major projects implemented by Chinese firms, including the Iconic Tower and Central Business District in the New Administrative Capital, the electric train, and renewable energy projects.
