Speaking at Al-Ittihadiya Palace during his first visit to Egypt in a decade, Xi stated that Beijing supports regional countries in constructing a new security structure for the Middle East. “China supports regional countries in building a new security architecture for the Middle East,” he said, emphasizing that “Mideast people should remain masters of their own affairs and external interference should be rejected.” Xi called on both nations to “jointly oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying” while pursuing what he termed a “comprehensive solution for common security.”

Palestinian question

The Chinese president insisted that the Palestinian issue remains central to Middle Eastern stability. “The Palestinian issue remains core of Middle East question, should never be overlooked or marginalized,” Xi said, urging external powers to abandon “double standards” and calling for the United Nations to play an “effective role.”

Maritime security and bilateral ties

Amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz triggered by the US-Iran war, Xi indicated that China stands “ready to work” with Middle East countries to “safeguard the security of international shipping lanes.” The leaders explored avenues for deepening cooperation across green energy, electric vehicles, aerospace, digital economy and modern agricultural technology, agreeing to generate new momentum in these fields.

Historical partnership

Xi arrived in Cairo on Tuesday for a two-day state visit marking the first such trip by a Chinese head of state to the North African nation in ten years. Egypt became the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1956, later elevating ties to a strategic partnership in 1999 and a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2014, according to Xinhua News Agency.