Egypt, China sign cooperation pacts, boost Belt and Road Initiative
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The Chinese president affirmed Beijing's readiness to stand alongside Cairo in upholding international justice.
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An Egyptian flag is fluttered before a welcome ceremony for Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the Great Hall of the People in Bejing, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP)
Egypt and China on Wednesday finalized a range of cooperation agreements, including a collaborative development blueprint for the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as announced by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi's office.
During his visit to Beijing on Wednesday, President Sisi engaged in discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.
"The two presidents witnessed the signing ceremony of a number of cooperation agreements, including the joint development plan of the 'Belt and Road' Initiative and strengthening collaboration in the realms of technological innovation and IT as well as a multitude of other areas of cooperation," the office said in statement.
The statement further noted that the leaders of Egypt and China deliberated on regional and international developments, including the ongoing war on Gaza.
"During their talks, President El-Sisi and President Xi Jinping also discussed the situation in the African continent and ways to forge closer cooperation between the two countries, including supporting the continent’s development efforts," the statement read.
In response, the Chinese president affirmed Beijing's readiness to stand alongside Cairo in upholding international justice.
"The Chinese side is prepared to continuously deepen mutual trust and develop cooperation with Egypt, jointly safeguard international impartiality and justice, as well as the common interests of developing countries," Xi was quoted as saying by the state-run China Central Television (CCTV).
Xi added that Beijing consistently promotes a multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization.
Read more: Egypt's el-Sisi, other Arab leaders to head to China this week
Relations between Egypt and China were officially established on May 30, 1956, making Egypt the first Arab and African country to recognize the People's Republic of China.
Over the years, Egypt has become a notable partner for Beijing, including in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), attracting substantial Chinese investments.
Over 1,500 Chinese companies operate in Egypt across diverse sectors, such as IT, electricity, telecommunications, and transportation.
China and Egypt have forged a comprehensive partnership, with a cooperation portfolio worth around $1.7 billion.
This funding is directed towards various development areas, including electricity, healthcare, education, vocational training, and more.
In 2022, their collaboration expanded to encompass increased technical cooperation, focusing on capacity-building and human resource development.
This collaboration extended to entities like the Egyptian Space Agency, among other initiatives.
Read more: China supplying Egypt with satellites: what are the motives?
