China and Egypt called for a comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, rejecting any displacement of Palestinians from their lands.
Following meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, a joint statement outlined a unified stance on Middle East conflicts, prioritising diplomatic settlements and de-escalation.
“Egypt is working to reduce the state of escalation in the region and prioritise diplomatic solutions to settle crises, which contributes to achieving peace and supporting development for the peoples of the region,” Sisi said.
The Egyptian president stressed the priority of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan, ensuring freedom of navigation, and shielding populations from the negative consequences of regional crises.
Regarding Gaza, both nations emphasised the necessity of unhindered humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, and the swift return of the Palestinian Authority to the enclave. They expressed concern over Israeli escalation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including settler violence and land confiscation, and affirmed their support for the UN relief agency UNRWA.
On regional security, the leaders stated that the governance and security of the Red Sea remain the primary responsibility of its littoral states. They stressed the need for regional cooperation to ensure freedom of navigation and international trade.
Addressing the conflict in Sudan, Egypt and China affirmed the necessity of respecting Sudan’s territorial integrity and national institutions, rejecting foreign interference, and working toward a Sudanese-owned comprehensive political process to end the war.
Xi commended Egypt’s efforts to broker political settlements in the Middle East, while Sisi praised China’s support for Palestinian rights and the two-state solution.
