Chinese leader who went to Egypt in a deal about Jerusalem

Egypt and China issued a joint statement emphasizing that an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital should be established based on the 1967 borders. This official statement was issued after discussions between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo.

This two-day official visit by the Chinese President to Egypt, the first in a decade, marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, with Egypt being the first Arab and African state to recognize the People's Republic of China in 1956.

The leaders of both countries pointed out that Palestinian rights should be the main focus of the Middle East crisis, stating that the two-state solution is essential for a just and sustainable resolution. The leaders unequivocally rejected any attempt to expel the Palestinian people from their homeland under any pretext or label, and emphasized the need to strengthen existing relief agreements in the Gaza Strip, ensure unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid including medical supplies, and expedite the Palestinian Authority's resumption of control over the Gaza Strip. The importance of providing full support to the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was also reaffirmed.

Both countries expressed deep concern over the violence, land seizures, and illegal settlement expansion carried out by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Chinese President proposed a new Middle East security system where countries in the region can manage their own affairs without external interference, stating that the Palestinian crisis cannot be ignored under any circumstances and is part of standing up against unilateral pressures. China and Egypt have long advocated for a solution based on the 1967 borders, with the main objective being to prevent the fragmentation of Palestinian territories.

During this visit, numerous cooperation agreements were signed, integrating China's 'Belt and Road' initiative with Egypt's 'Vision 2030' strategic plan, focusing on industries, digital economy, semiconductors, and the Suez Canal Economic Zone. China recognized the importance of the Nile River for Egypt's water and food security, and Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to the 'One China' policy.

The United Nations and international human rights organizations have reported attacks and land seizures targeting Palestinian villages in the West Bank. Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned such violence, the current Israeli government opposes a Palestinian state with 1967 borders, citing security reasons. In light of this situation, the diplomatic agreement between China and Egypt is considered an important step towards future stability in the Middle East.