Xi Jinping wants to cooperate with Egypt to stabilize the situation in the Middle East

The statement comes as security in the region is cast as a shadow of the war between Israel and the Islamist militant group Hamas, which began after the group staged a bloody attack on the Jewish state.

“China wants to strengthen cooperation with Egypt (…) and bring more certainty and stability to the region and the world,” Xi Jinping told Mostafa Madbouli during a meeting in Beijing, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

“China and Egypt are good friends who share the same goals and trust each other, as well as good partners who work together for development and common prosperity,” the president said, according to CCTV.

It is reported that he added that currently the international and regional situation is changing strongly and complexly, the world is experiencing rapid changes that have not been seen in a century.

According to Xi Jinping, Beijing is also ready to cooperate with Cairo to jointly ensure international fairness and justice, as well as the common interests of developing countries.

Since hostilities between Israel and Hamas began this month, Egypt has mostly kept its border with the Gaza Strip, where the humanitarian situation is increasingly desperate, the only crossing not controlled by Israel closed.

But on Thursday, Cairo said it would allow humanitarian aid to pass through the Rafah crossing.

Relations between China and Egypt have strengthened in recent months, and from next year the North African nation will become an official member of the BRICS group of emerging economies.

“China welcomes Egypt’s joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism and believes that it will give new impetus to BRICS cooperation,” Xi Jinping told Madbouli, according to CCTV.

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sara el-sayed

**Interview with Dr. Sarah El-Sayed, Middle ​East Policy Analyst**

**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. El-Sayed. The recent‍ statement by‌ Chinese President Xi Jinping about strengthening cooperation with Egypt comes at a precarious time ⁣in the region, particularly ⁣with the tensions arising⁤ from the conflict⁤ between⁢ Israel and Hamas. What do you⁣ think ⁤this​ means⁣ for‌ Egypt’s role in ⁢regional stability?

**Dr. El-Sayed:** Thank you for having me. Xi Jinping’s remarks underscore China’s intention to play a more active role in the Middle ⁢East, particularly at such a tumultuous time. Egypt, being a key player in the region,‍ could serve as a stabilizing force. The cooperation between China and Egypt may lead to initiatives​ that promote stability and economic development, which⁣ is ⁣crucial ‌amid the⁢ ongoing conflicts.

**Editor:** You⁤ mentioned economic development. How does China’s partnership with Egypt benefit both nations economically?

**Dr. El-Sayed:** The partnership presents numerous‌ opportunities for economic collaboration. For Egypt, Chinese investments can lead to infrastructural improvements and‍ job creation. On the other hand, China sees Egypt as a strategic gateway to African markets, enabling them to enhance their Belt and Road Initiative. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that could bolster‌ economic growth on both sides.

**Editor:** ⁣In light of recent conflicts, how might Egypt’s relationship with China influence its diplomatic stance towards ‍other ‌regional players?

**Dr. El-Sayed:**⁤ Egypt’s closer ties with China could shift ‍its diplomatic dynamics, especially regarding relations with⁣ the ⁢U.S. and other ⁢Western​ nations. While traditional partnerships ⁤have been‍ centered on ⁢security and military cooperation, China offers‍ an alternative that emphasizes economic partnerships.⁤ This could allow Egypt to navigate a more​ balanced foreign policy while asserting⁢ its ⁤independence.

**Editor:** Lastly, are‍ there any potential risks associated⁣ with deepening ⁢ties with China for⁤ Egypt, especially⁤ with the current ⁢geopolitical landscape?

**Dr. El-Sayed:** Certainly. There are risks ‍related to over-reliance on‍ Chinese investments, which can lead ⁣to economic vulnerabilities. Additionally, Egypt must be cautious​ about balancing its partnerships carefully‍ to avoid alienating Western allies. It’s essential for Egypt to ensure that while it ​fosters relations with ‌China, ⁢it doesn’t jeopardize its ⁤historical​ alliances⁢ or its own sovereignty.

**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. ‌El-Sayed, for ‍your insights on this critical issue. It ‍will be fascinating to see ​how Egypt ‍navigates its ​relationship with ‍China amidst‌ the ongoing regional challenges.

**Dr. El-Sayed:** Thank you ⁤for having me.‌ It’s an important topic, and ⁤I’m looking forward to observing how these developments unfold.