Cooperation between BRICS Countries continues to flourish, This is evident by the recent coordination between China and Egypt to ensure water security in BRICS+ country Egypt. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping had formal talks on bilateral ties and methods to improve collaboration across numerous fields, as well as improving coordination in international frameworks. China and Egypt’s comprehensive strategic partnership began 10 years ago, total trade between the two countries is reportedly worth US$13.3 billion as of 2022.
Beijing has also become the leading importer of Egyptian products such as textiles, agricultural goods, and chemicals. In March 2024, China exported $1.11B and imported $30.4M from Egypt, resulting in a positive trade balance of $1.08B. Beijing and Cairo’s strategic partnership is further amplified by China’s Belt and Road Initiative that aligns with Egypt’s national development plan for 2030. The strategic partnership encompasses political, economic, cultural, and diplomatic aspects.
Diplomatically, China and Egypt have supported each other on various international issues, including the promotion of multilateralism, global security, and regional stability. They have also collaborated closely in forums such as the United Nations and the Arab League. Marking the 10th anniversary of their partnership, the two leaders issued a joint statement, where they expressed satisfaction with the fruitful results of their comprehensive strategic partnership, which has contributed to development and prosperity in both countries.
China has participated in numerous major economic projects in Egypt, particularly in infrastructure, transportation, railways, shipbuilding, construction, investments, and space sciences. Other projects include the establishment of a financial district in the New Administrative Capital, the launch of the 10th Ramadan electric train, investments in the Egyptian Chinese TEDA industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, and the launch of the EgyptSat-2 satellite. Furthermore, financial cooperation was strengthened with the continuation of the local currency swap arrangement and Egypt’s successful issuing of Panda bonds in China.
The two countries have also boosted cooperation in international economic forums, with Egypt joining the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and hosting its annual conference in 2023. Egypt also joined the New Development Bank the same year, and became a member of BRICS in 2024. The Egyptian president emphasised the need of consistently supporting each other’s essential interests and addressing specific issues, such as terrorism. The Chinese side reiterated its continued support for Egypt’s legitimate right to maintain national sovereignty and territorial integrity, to reject external interference in its internal affairs under any pretext, and to protect its legitimate rights to water and food security, as well as its developmental interests.
Egypt’s water crisis has reportedly worsened over the years. According to UNICEF Egypt is facing an annual water deficit of around seven billion cubic meters and the country could run out of water by 2025. The North African nation is a major entry point into Africa, located near the northeastern edge of the continent. The Suez Canal, which runs through Egypt, connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Because of its strategic location and excellent logistical support, the 2008-established Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone (SETC-Zone) is regarded as the major project that greatly advances the Belt and Road Initiative.
According to China’s National Development and Reform Commission, the SETC-Zone is a major hub for Chinese products, with over 102 Chinese firms, $1.2 billion in US investment, 30,000 new jobs, and over $2.5 billion in sales. Additionally, one of the key facets of Egypt and China’s bilateral relationship in recent years has been their cooperation in the maritime sector. An essential link in China’s Maritime Silk Road, a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative, is Egypt’s Suez Canal. Binational collaboration in maritime trade, logistics, and infrastructure development has been encouraged by the canal’s facilitation of trade between Asia, Africa, and Europe.
As a result, Egypt and China have inked several agreements for the development and enhancement of infrastructure. China has actively promoted the Chinese language (Mandarin) and culture in Egypt by establishing Confucius Institutes and organising cultural events. Similarly, Egypt has been advertising its rich history and cultural legacy in China, inviting Chinese tourists to visit ancient monuments such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum. The Egyptian side reiterated its steadfast support for China’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, acknowledged Taiwan as an essential part of China, backed China’s reunification, and rejected outside meddling in China’s domestic affairs.
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