Monday, 25 May 2026
Source: Egyptian Cabinet
Egypt and China deepen strategic partnership in high-level talks in Cairo
Egypt and China have reaffirmed their longstanding and robust partnership during high-level talks chaired by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Egypt’s new administrative capital.
The expanded session, attended by senior officials from both countries, addressed a broad range of shared interests and explored opportunities for further collaboration, particularly in economic development, technology transfer, renewable energy, and investment.
Prime Minister Madbouly warmly welcomed Premier Li Qiang and his delegation, describing the visit as “historic” and reflecting on the close rapport between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Dr. Madbouly commended China’s key role in Egypt’s development efforts, notably through its participation in iconic projects such as the Central Business District in the new administrative capital, towers in New Alamein City, the light rail transit line, and the development of the TEDA China-Egypt industrial zone along the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Highlighting the success of the TEDA zone as a model of investment cooperation, Madbouly expressed hope for increased Chinese investment, especially in localising high-tech industries such as solar energy components and electric vehicles in Egypt. He stressed Egypt’s readiness to support Chinese companies with incentives and open the door to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East via its extensive trade agreements.
The talks also spotlighted the importance of balancing trade between the two nations and enriching China’s markets with more high-quality Egyptian exports. Both sides agreed on accelerating the completion of major infrastructure projects, such as the light rail transit line and the Central Business District.
Financial cooperation was another key topic, with Madbouly expressing appreciation for China’s pioneering debt swap agreement, allowing Egypt to finance sustainable development projects, and for Egypt’s recent issuance of panda bonds in the Chinese financial market.
On regional issues, the Egyptian Prime Minister thanked China for its steadfast support of Palestinian rights at international fora, especially in the UN Security Council. He also underscored the importance of ongoing China-Africa cooperation through initiatives like the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where Egypt has proposed several priority projects for joint funding.
In response, Premier Li Qiang praised Egypt as an ancient civilization with contemporary dynamism, noting this trip marked his first visit to Africa as China’s Premier—an indication of Beijing’s deep respect and strong commitment to Egypt. He recognized Egypt’s growing regional influence and pledged continued Chinese support for Egypt’s modernization and development.
Both sides concluded the meeting with a shared hope for a new era in Egyptian-Chinese relations, characterized by deeper economic ties, enhanced technology cooperation, and mutual support on international and regional matters.
During his two-day visit to Egypt that began on Wednesday, China’s Premier met earlier in the day with President Abdel Fattah Sisi. The leaders focused on strengthening economic and investment ties, especially in technology and development projects, and expressed support for each other on regional issues. These talks highlight the deep, longstanding friendship between Egypt and China.