Premier Li's Egypt visit to elevate bilateral ties, foster collaboration with Arab world: experts

Chinese Premier Li Qiang's official visit to Egypt is expected to deepen ties with Cairo and the broader Arab World, according to experts.

Over the two-day visit from Wednesday to Thursday, Li will meet with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi at the New Administrative Capital, a hub that showcases growing bilateral cooperation. Chinese firms have played a key role in building the Central Business District, home to Africa's tallest building, and are developing transportation infrastructure to seamlessly connect the new capital with greater Cairo.

"This is something that has had a wonderful impact on the overall bilateral relations. And the figures are on the rise. We are witnessing a golden era as far as our bilateral relations are concerned. And, let's not limit this to TEDA or to the Suez Canal economic zone. But also, there are many projects that are in other governorates, other cities, in Egypt,” said Ali El-Hefny, vice chairman of the Cairo-based Egypt-China Friendship Association.

Li will be exploring ways to expand trade, which is projected to reach 17 billion U.S. dollars by the end of this year. Egypt will look to boost its exports to China while also increasing the transfer of Chinese technology programs, which have already brought space technology and electronics manufacturing to Egypt.

"In Africa, in the Arab world, in the Middle East, we shouldn't be the only hub, but the fact remains that, we are turning into a hub. We are witnessing an unprecedented stage of our relations, between the two countries, China and Egypt, especially in the economic field, technical field, commercial field, culturally, and of course, politically," said Ali El-Hefny.

Premier Li is also set to discuss broader cooperation with the Arab World. He will visit the headquarters of the Arab League, where Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit will host discussions about the role of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, which is the biggest Sino-Arab platform.

"The recent developments in the Middle East and eastern Europe, shows that the current world order is failing. There must be a multipolar world. In that regard, China is very important. China is keen to enrich its diplomatic, trade, economic and political ties with the Arab World, and also military ties," said Mohamed Saad Abdel Hafiz, political Analyst of Al Shorouk, a prominent Arabic newspaper.

Besides business, Li is expected to discuss regional issues with both President Sisi and Gheit, experts say.

Premier Li's Egypt visit to elevate bilateral ties, foster collaboration with Arab world: experts

Premier Li's Egypt visit to elevate bilateral ties, foster collaboration with Arab world: experts

Premier Li's Egypt visit to elevate bilateral ties, fosters collaboration with Arab world: experts

Premier Li's Egypt visit to elevate bilateral ties, fosters collaboration with Arab world: experts

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests