OPEN// PM emphasizes strategic importance of Chinese president's forthcoming visit to Egypt

Middle East

20-05-2025

CAIRO, May 20 (MENA) - Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said he is looking forward to an upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Egypt, describing it as a pivotal moment that will significantly advance bilateral relations and open new horizons for cooperation and emphasizing that the current global and regional climate necessitates deeper collaboration between Egypt and China, particularly in promoting sustainable development and enhancing regional stability.
These remarks were made during a high-level meeting held at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, where Madbouly received Li Shulei, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, and his accompanying delegation. The meeting was attended by key Egyptian ministers and diplomats, underscoring the depth of relations between the two nations.
The prime minister warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation, expressing his appreciation for the close and evolving relationship between Egypt and China. He also praised China's unwavering support for Egypt over the past decade on critical international matters, reiterating Egypt's steadfast commitment to the One-China principle.
He noted that the two countries' relationship has witnessed substantial progress since elevating ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership a decade ago.
The premier acknowledged China's adherence to the principle of non-interference and respect for the sovereignty of states. He expressed hope that a portion of the $52 billion in investments pledged by President Xi to Africa during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation would be directed toward projects in Egypt.
He further commended the pivotal role Chinese companies have played in Egypt's development, particularly in infrastructure domains, including the electric train system, port modernization, and the Central Business District of the New Administrative Capital. The Egyptian government, he affirmed, is eager to attract additional Chinese investments, especially in technology transfer and the localization of strategic industries such as electric vehicles and mobile phones, he said, highlighting the success of the Chinese TEDA industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone as a model for future cooperation.
Madbouly emphasized Egypt's geographical advantage and market access potential, positioning it as a strategic hub for Chinese industries aiming to reach regional and global markets. He also expressed optimism about enhancing economic cooperation within the BRICS framework, particularly during the upcoming summit in Brazil.
On the cultural and tourism front, the prime minister voiced Egypt's desire to boost Chinese tourism, recognizing the Chinese people's deep appreciation for history and culture. He noted that China has been added to the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-on-arrival at Egyptian airports, facilitating greater tourism exchange. He called for increased direct flights and tourism promotions to strengthen people-to-people ties.
In response, the senior Chinese official conveyed the greetings of the Chinese premier to Madbouly and expressed his gratitude for the warm reception accorded to him and his accompanying delegation in Egypt. He noted that the purpose of his visit is to exchange views on key regional and global issues and to reinforce the growing partnership between the two countries.
Li commended Egypt's substantial achievements over the past decade across political, economic, and social spheres, remarking on the impressive transformation since his last visit to Egypt two decades ago.
He reaffirmed the historical and civilizational bonds between Egypt and China, noting their shared heritage as ancient nations with rich cultural legacies. He underscored China's consistent stance on non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and expressed strong interest in deepening economic and cultural ties with Egypt.
Li highlighted the growing interest among Chinese investors in Egypt's promising market and conveyed China's intent to strengthen cooperation in tourism, heritage preservation, media, and cultural exchange.
He pledged to encourage Chinese media to shed more light on the Egyptian civilization and tourism, believing this would attract more Chinese visitors. Li concluded by expressing admiration for Egypt's successful preservation of its historical architecture, particularly during his visits to Cairo and Alexandria, and voiced a strong interest in expanding collaboration in the protection and promotion of ancient cultural heritage.
(MENA)
R E E/