By Wagdy Abdel Aziz
In concluding his speech at a seminar held in Cairo, Zhang Tao, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Egypt, underscored the unprecedented momentum in Chinese-Egyptian relations, emphasizing that they are at their “zenith” thanks to the strategic guidance of Presidents Xi Jinping and Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
The event was attended by prominent Egyptian figures, including Ambassador Amr Hamza, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Minister Plenipotentiary Mohammed bin Siddiq of the League of Arab States, Ambassador Ezzat Saad, Secretary-General of the Egyptian Communist Party Salah Adly, and Ambassador Ali El-Hefny, President of the Egyptian-Chinese Friendship Association. Zhang affirmed that the cooperation between the two nations serves as a model for solidarity among Global South countries, reinforcing a shared vision for global peace and development.
Egypt at the Heart of the SCO
Zhang began the third part of his speech by affirming Egypt’s active role within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) family, highlighting the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Mustafa Madbouly at the 2025 Tianjin Summit on behalf of President El-Sisi.
During the Summit, President Xi Jinping warmly met with Madbouly, while Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party, also held talks with him, with Ambassador Liao Liqiang participating in related events in Beijing.
Zhang emphasized that these meetings reflected the deep mutual political trust between the two countries, describing them as “siblings” sharing core interests and common aspirations.
Strengthening the Strategic Partnership
According to Zhang, President Xi stressed the need to deepen bilateral partnership by aligning China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Egypt’s Vision 2030, focusing on areas such as trade, joint manufacturing, and new energy.
He highlighted the Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone as a leading model for industrial investments.
Zhang also called for enhanced multilateral cooperation to counter unilateralism and bullying, defend the UN-centered international system and international law, and preserve the achievements of the World War II victory.
For his part, Madbouly conveyed President El-Sisi’s greetings to President Xi, affirming that China is a “true partner and friend” to Egypt.
He reiterated Egypt’s firm commitment to the “One China” principle, expressing Egypt’s desire to deepen cooperation in new energy, electric vehicles, finance, and seawater desalination.
Madbouly also supported President Xi’s global initiatives, emphasizing the need for coordination to protect the interests of developing countries amid global trade and economic challenges.
Tangible Outcomes and New Momentum
During Madbouly’s visit to China, he held fruitful discussions with heads of Chinese companies, which received extensive Egyptian media coverage.
The visit strengthened political trust, deepened practical cooperation, and expanded prospects for multilateral collaboration.
Zhang noted that Chinese-Egyptian relations are experiencing remarkable growth, citing Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Egypt last July, which bolstered friendship and laid plans for the future.
He highlighted tangible progress in renewable energy projects implemented by Chinese companies in Egypt, alongside cooperation in finance and joint research on submerged antiquities.
A Promising Future and Investment Forum
Zhang described Madbouly’s visit as evidence of the high level of bilateral relations, especially as it followed Premier Li Qiang’s visit by less than a month, reflecting the strategic nature of the partnership.
He announced that Egypt will host the first “Chinese-Egyptian Investment Forum” in late October, led by Ling Ji, China’s Vice Minister of Commerce, accompanied by Chinese chambers of commerce and companies, to boost investments in Egypt.
Zhang affirmed that implementing the outcomes of the Tianjin Summit and Madbouly’s visit will yield tangible benefits for both peoples, advancing toward building a “Chinese-Egyptian community with a shared future” that contributes to global peace and prosperity.
A Shared Vision for the Global South
Zhang concluded his speech with a call to work with Egypt to implement the Summit’s agreements, reaffirming China’s commitment to its responsible role in the Global South. The seminar, attended by senior Egyptian diplomats, reflected the depth of the partnership between the two nations, with expectations of expanded cooperation within the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and Egypt’s Vision 2030. As the investment forum approaches, all eyes are on a new chapter of cooperation that will enhance sustainable development and regional stability.