Xi Jinping Arrives in Egypt to Strengthen Ties Amid Regional War

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Cairo:Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Egypt for his first visit in ten years, seeking to expand economic and military ties as Middle Eastern nations re-examine their reliance on the United States amid the war involving Iran.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi greeted Xi at Cairo International Airport with full ceremonial honours. The visit underscores Cairo's efforts to diversify its international alliances and achieve greater strategic autonomy, balancing its traditional relationship with Washington alongside deeper links with Beijing and Moscow.

Economic cooperation between the two nations has expanded rapidly, with Chinese state firms investing billions into Egyptian manufacturing, renewable energy, satellite technology, and port infrastructure along the Suez Canal.

Military cooperation has also deepened. Egypt recently hosted joint air combat exercises with China, featuring the first African deployment of Chinese J-16 fighter jets and rare joint manoeuvres alongside French-made Rafale aircraft.

Xi's stop in Egypt forms the second leg of his latest international tour, following a summit in Kyrgyzstan, with upcoming visits to India and the United States scheduled for later this month.

Pic Credit: AFP