Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to hold talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Wednesday during his first visit to Cairo in a decade. The two-day visit, shadowed by looming US sanctions over financial links to Iran, is expected to result in the signing of economic agreements and discussions on the fallout from the US-Iran war. This visit underscores Egypt's strategic autonomy and its ability to maintain close ties with both Washington and Beijing.
Economic Agreements and Strategic Autonomy
During the summit, the two BRICS members are expected to sign a series of agreements aimed at expanding economic trade, particularly in artificial intelligence, transport, and energy. Chinese investment has been crucial to Sisi's administration, notably in the Finance and Business District in the New Administrative Capital and the Suez Canal Economic Zone. As the US-Iran war continues to threaten global maritime trade, discussions on expanding investments in these areas are anticipated.
US Sanctions and Regional Stability
The visit occurs under the shadow of US sanctions targeting entities with financial links to Iran. Last week, the US Treasury announced sanctions on the Emirati branch of Egypt's Banque Misr for alleged support to Iran. Washington has vowed to isolate Iran economically, with threats of expanded sanctions that could also affect Chinese banks. China, a major buyer of Iranian oil, has pledged to protect its interests while seeking to strengthen ties with US-friendly regional nations.
Cultural and Military Ties
Xi's visit is marked by cultural displays and military cooperation. Upon arrival, he was greeted by folk dance performers and flanked by teenagers wearing T-shirts bearing his photo. Egypt and China hosted major joint air combat exercises in August, featuring Beijing's J-16 fighter jet. Across Cairo, streets are adorned with Chinese and Egyptian flags, and billboards showcasing Sisi and Xi, emphasizing the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
Xi's Itinerary in Cairo
Xi is expected to tour Cairo extensively during his visit, including a stop at the Grand Egyptian Museum overlooking the Giza Pyramids. His itinerary reflects the depth of Egyptian-Chinese relations and the importance of this visit in reinforcing bilateral ties.
