Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to Kyrgyzstan and Egypt from August 30 to September 3, 2026, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and conduct state visits in both countries [1, 2, 3].
Xi will begin the trip in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he will meet leaders from SCO member states, including Russia and Iran, amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East affecting global oil markets [1, 2, 3]. He will hold talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and promote high-quality development between their countries [1, 2, 3]. The two nations, which established diplomatic relations 34 years ago, have developed strong mutual trust, with bilateral trade now exceeding $27 billion, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, who described Kyrgyzstan and China as “good neighbors” and “good friends of mutual trust and good partners with common pursuit” [3].
From September 1 to 3, Xi will visit Egypt, marking his first trip there in a decade. He will meet President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss bilateral relations and regional and international issues [1, 2, 3]. China and Egypt have diplomatic ties dating back 70 years, with Egypt the first Arab and African country to establish such ties with China [3]. Bilateral trade between the two countries has grown to more than $10 billion. Xi’s visit coincides with joint air force drills between the Chinese and Egyptian militaries, known as “Eagles of Civilisation” [3].
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the talks in Egypt "hold special significance for the development of bilateral ties" and that China looks forward to working with Egypt to "carry forward traditional friendship, render each other firm support and bolster each other’s modernization … and make positive contribution to peace and stability in the region and beyond" [2, 3]. Lin also described the trip as "making a positive contribution to safeguarding peace and stability in the region," particularly amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US [1].
This marks Xi’s second overseas trip in 2026 after a state visit to North Korea in June [1, 2, 3]. Xi is scheduled to depart for Kyrgyzstan on August 30 to attend the SCO summit and meet President Japarov, with the visit to Egypt commencing on September 1 [1, 2, 3].
