Chinese President Xi Jinping Prepares for Landmark First State Visit to Egypt in Ten Years

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to embark on a state visit to Egypt in the near future to hold discussions with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, according to an announcement made by the Egyptian presidency on Tuesday.

The presidential spokesman stated that the two leaders will focus their talks on bilateral strategic partnership alongside various regional and international matters. Although the initial announcement omitted the specific dates, Beijing's foreign ministry and the state-run CGTN channel clarified that the trip is scheduled for August 30 through September 3. This visit follows President Xi Jinping's participation in the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation summit in Bishkek, which coincides with a state visit to Kyrgyzstan.

This upcoming journey marks President Xi Jinping's first trip to Egypt since January 2016, when a Middle East tour also included stops in Saudi Arabia and Iran. The diplomatic engagement arrives as both nations approach the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, a significant milestone frequently highlighted by Egyptian and Chinese officials during recent gatherings.

Diplomatic bonds were previously upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2014 during President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's inaugural visit to Beijing. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi later returned in May 2024 for the China-Arab States Co-operation Forum, where a three-year action plan spanning 2024 to 2026 was adopted to encompass trade, investment, technology, climate change, and security. Following this, Chinese Premier Li Qiang traveled to Cairo in July 2025 for a two-day visit, resulting in agreements regarding finance, e-commerce, health, and low-carbon development, alongside an accord between central banks to broaden local currency usage in trade settlements.

While political relations have strengthened, bilateral trade continues to reflect a significant imbalance. Egypt's state statistics agency reported a bilateral trade volume of approximately $17.4 billion for 2024, which included $15.5 billion in shipments originating from China. Furthermore, the Egyptian Commercial Service estimated trade at roughly $20.8 billion in 2025, driven by $19.9 billion in Chinese exports compared to $819 million in Egyptian exports.

Having maintained its position as Egypt's primary trading partner for over a decade, China remains the focus of continuous efforts by Cairo to secure broader access to the Chinese market. Additionally, Egyptian officials consistently urge Chinese corporations to establish onshore manufacturing operations, particularly within the sectors of electric vehicles, solar components, and desalination.