Egypt, China reaffirm strategic partnership, urge Gaza ceasefire

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
11 Jul 2025 17:37

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang discuss strengthening Egypt-China relations, call for a Gaza ceasefire, and emphasize diplomatic efforts to resolve regional crises.

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Egypt's Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly, left, speaks with China's Premier Li Qiang, during the 17th annual BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, July 7, 2025. (AP)

Egypt and China emphasized the importance of consolidating the ceasefire agreement between "Israel" and Iran, while urging the resumption of diplomatic efforts to address the crisis through peaceful means.

This stance was affirmed during a meeting on Thursday between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, attended by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli along with ministers and senior officials from both sides.

The two countries jointly underscored the urgent need to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensure the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, and work toward a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian struggle.

This comes after Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty launched a wide-reaching diplomatic initiative aimed at consolidating a ceasefire between Iran and the Israeli occupation and reviving stalled negotiations surrounding Gaza.

In a series of high-level phone calls over the weekend, Abdelatty engaged with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, US Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to emphasiz "the urgent need for coordinated regional and international efforts to solidify the Iran-Israel ceasefire and resume diplomatic negotiations toward a sustainable resolution of the Iranian nuclear file."

Strengthening Egypt-China strategic partnership

Chinese Premier Li Qiang conveyed the greetings of President Xi Jinping to President el-Sisi, describing him as a "dear friend of China" who is always warmly welcomed in Beijing, according to Presidential spokesperson Mohamed el-Shennawy.

Li emphasized that China highly values its strong ties with Egypt, which are rooted in a long-standing strategic partnership, mutual respect, and shared interests.

He also praised the steady growth in bilateral relations and highlighted the close coordination between Cairo and Beijing on regional and international issues. He commended Egypt’s pivotal role as a pillar of stability in the Middle East.

On the other hand, el-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to deepening cooperation with China across multiple areas of mutual interest, according to the spokesman. He highlighted Egypt’s eagerness to attract more Chinese investments, particularly in renewable energy, electric vehicle manufacturing, and tourism.

The Egyptian president also expressed appreciation for the contributions of Chinese companies to Egypt’s development initiatives. He stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in manufacturing, development, and debt swap mechanisms.

Upcoming diplomatic milestones

Both leaders noted that Egypt and China will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026, a milestone reflecting the enduring strength of their bilateral relationship.

El-Shennawy added that both sides exchanged views on regional and international developments, reaffirming their shared commitment to stability, peace, and joint coordination on global challenges.