Expectations are running high across Egyptian cultural and business circles ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit, with many observers expecting it to inject fresh momentum into the burgeoning bilateral partnership.
As the two nations mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, President Xi is set to embark on his second state visit to Egypt in a decade, a trip widely seen as a milestone that promises to deepen bilateral ties across the board and set a powerful example of cooperation among developing countries.
Ahmed Salam, former deputy director of Egypt's State Information Service, highlighted the significance of the engagement for both nations and the broader developing world.
"The Egyptian people are eagerly awaiting President Xi's visit. We warmly look forward to his arrival. The [four] global initiatives put forward by President Xi are both creative and of profound significance. Egypt and countries around the world should place great value on these initiatives, given their commitment to advancing win-win cooperation. China has always striven to promote shared benefits for all, especially for developing economies and African nations," said Salam.
El-Sawy Ahmed, an Egyptian scholar specializing in Chinese affairs, expected the visit to further boost Belt and Road cooperation, a key driver of growing China-Arab ties.
"The Egyptian government and the Egyptian people alike are looking forward to this visit. In my view, it will not only sustain but also further advance the Belt and Road cooperation, an initiative that has already proven instrumental in strengthening and expanding the relationship between China and the Arab world," he said.
Ahmed Saeed, an Egyptian Sinologist and publisher, noted that China's governance model is gaining wider recognition in Egypt, as reflected in the growing popularity of Arabic editions of President Xi's works.
"China's governance philosophy is drawing growing interest and recognition among Egyptians. I have dedicated myself to publishing and promoting President Xi's works in Arabic. 'Xi Jinping: The Governance of China' has seen more than 70,000 copies in circulation across Egypt. This reflects the widespread esteem that President Xi enjoys as a world-class leader among the Egyptian people," said Saeed, who also serves as president of Hekmat Cultural Industries Group, a local publishing and cultural firm.
Hassan Rajab, director of the Confucius Institute at Suez Canal University, extended his warmest welcome to the Chinese president.
"I welcome President Xi, the Chinese leader, to Egypt. I would like to say to him: Welcome to Egypt. The Egyptian people, who hold great affection for the Chinese people, welcome you," he said.
Egyptian observers anticipate Chinese president Xi's landmark state visit
