CAIRO: Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Egypt for a two-day state visit, with energy, artificial intelligence, transport and investment expected to dominate talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Xi arrived in Cairo on Tuesday alongside his wife, Peng Liyuan, and was welcomed at the airport by Sisi and Egypt’s first lady, Entissar, as an Egyptian folk dance troupe performed during the reception.

The visit comes as China and Egypt navigate growing geopolitical and economic pressures linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Both countries are also facing concerns over possible US sanctions targeting financial institutions and businesses with links to Iran.

Xi’s trip is his first visit to Egypt in a decade and coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Cairo.

The Chinese president’s visit comes at a particularly sensitive time for China, a major buyer of Iranian oil, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to threaten energy supplies, trade routes and regional economic stability.

China has sought to position itself as a neutral player in the conflict while repeatedly calling for a lasting ceasefire.

Egypt, meanwhile, has maintained close relations with Washington and remains a major recipient of US military assistance. Cairo has also called for restraint and warned against further escalation after a drone strike hit one of its ports in July.

Political analysts say Xi’s visit reflects China’s growing interest in Egypt’s strategic position and its influence across the Middle East.

Gamal Salama, a political science professor at Egypt’s Suez University, said the visit comes at a time when China’s economic interests are increasingly exposed to the consequences of the US-Iran conflict.

According to analysts, Beijing also sees Cairo as an important diplomatic partner because of Egypt’s role in regional affairs and its mediation between Israel and Palestinian groups.

China and Egypt both support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state under a two-state solution.

Xi and Sisi are expected to discuss the ongoing Gaza conflict, Iran and security concerns surrounding major international shipping routes, including the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.

In an editorial published in Egyptian media ahead of the talks, Xi said he looked forward to renewing the friendship between the two countries and working with Sisi to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The economic dimension of the visit is also expected to be significant.

China remains one of Egypt’s major trading partners and exporters, with Chinese customs data showing that Beijing recorded a trade surplus of approximately $12 billion with Egypt during the first seven months of 2026.

The two countries are expected to sign agreements covering artificial intelligence, transportation, energy and investment in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, according to Egyptian media reports.

The agreements could further expand Chinese involvement in Egypt’s technology and industrial sectors.

Political scientist Salama said the talks could help Cairo attract additional Chinese investment into its emerging artificial intelligence and electronics industries.

China’s growing economic footprint in Egypt comes as Cairo seeks to attract foreign investment, expand its industrial base and strengthen its position as a regional trade and logistics hub.

The Suez Canal remains central to those ambitions, given its importance to global shipping and Egypt’s economy.

Xi’s visit is therefore expected to strengthen both countries’ strategic partnership while providing Beijing with greater diplomatic engagement in a region where China is seeking an increasingly influential role.