Xi Jinping embarks on Cairo visit, holds talks with Egypt's president

President Xi Jinping takes part in a welcome ceremony in Cairo and holds talks with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi amid plans to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids of Giza.

Xi says Beijing and Cairo set an example of friendship and solidarity between developing countries, stressing the two leaders will jointly map up a blueprint to foster relations and write a new chapter in their friendship.

Sisi on Wednesday receives his Chinese counterpart who is on his first visit to the country in a decade. The military guards greet Xi on the tarmac of the presidential palace with a red-carpet ceremony.

The two presidents are expected to engage in in-depth dialogues on bilateral relations, all-round cooperation as well as international and regional issues of mutual concern.

In a written speech delivered upon his arrival Tuesday evening, Xi emphasises that China and Egypt are both ancient civilisations and have traditional friendship that has endured for thousands of years and stood for the test of time.

He furthers the two nations have pursued "win-win cooperation" over the past 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and points out in recent years, the heads of state have jointly led their comprehensive strategic partnership to achieve rapid development.

Their relations have become a benchmark for collective cooperation between China and Arab states and between China and Africa, says the Chinese leader.

Hailing both countries as key members of the Global South, Xi urges the practice of true multilateralism and adherence to international justice and fairness.

He highlights the need for China and Egypt to safeguard the common interests of developing countries and make new contributions to world peace, stability, development and prosperity.