President Xi wraps up Egypt visit with tour at landmark museum

President Xi Jinping has departed Egypt on Wednesday following a brief but highly symbolic state visit which marked 70 years of diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

Xi has advocated for a new regional security framework, telling his Egyptian counterpart that Middle East nations should be "masters of their own destiny."

Beyond diplomacy, the presidents and their spouses toured the landmark Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids of Giza.

During the visit, President Xi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi oversaw the signing of extensive documents focused on cementing cooperation ranging from the Belt and Road Initiative, artificial intelligence, economy and trade, to industry and supply chain.

A joint statement was issued on further deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi noted during his talks with Sisi that China supports countries in the Middle East in developing good-neighbourly and friendly cooperation, raising a four-point proposal on a new security architecture to counter unilateralism and acts of bullying.

He explicitly called on leaders to pursue "comprehensive solutions" in addressing hotspots, emphasising the Palestinian issue, which "remains at the core of the Mideast question," should never be overlooked or marginalised.

Xi further expressed China's readiness to contribute to safeguarding the security of international shipping lanes, promote the convergence of interests of Arab nations, gradually enhance mutual trust and eliminate the root causes of the conflict.

A meticulous cultural pageantry was staged for Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on Wednesday during which the couple were treated to a tour at the Grand Egyptian Museum to take in the exquisite stone carvings and inscribed pillars.

Accompanied by the Egyptian president and his spouse, they viewed Tutankhamun exhibition hall and gazed out at iconic treasures such as the pharaoh's throne, the golden mask and royal chariots.

Peng also chatted over tea and visited a small handcrafts exhibition with Entissar El-Sisi, wife of the Egyptian leader.

Peng said the two countries share many cultural similarities, expressing hope that artists would strengthen exchanges and cooperation to allow traditional crafts to continue to shine with renewed vitality through inheritance and mutual learning.