China’s Xi to hold talks with Sisi in rare visit to Egypt

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to embark on his first visit to Egypt in a decade, arriving in Cairo on Tuesday evening. This rare meeting comes amid the threat of US sanctions over financial ties to Iran. Xi was greeted by the Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and his wife upon landing at Cairo International Airport, where they were greeted by a folk dance troupe and flanked by rows of teenagers wearing T-shirts featuring images of Xi.

The two-day visit aims to see the presidents sign economic agreements and discuss the implications of the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Egypt, a key US ally and a significant recipient of US military aid, is expected to use the summit to showcase its strategic independence, having previously highlighted its unaligned foreign policy. Sisi penned an op-ed expressing Egypt's desire to strengthen the 'global south' and its partnership with China.

During their summit, the two leaders are anticipated to sign several agreements boosting economic trade, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, transportation, and energy. China's extensive investments in Egypt, including funding for major projects like the Finance and Business District in Cairo and its presence in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, will also be discussed.

Both nations are aware that the US-Iran war could threaten global maritime trade, and they aim to secure further economic cooperation to mitigate risks.