Wang Yi Meets Egypt’s National Security Council Secretary El-Din

Summary

On 22 June 2026, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, met with El-Din, Secretary of Egypt's National Security Council, in New Delhi to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt. The two sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges, enhance political trust, advance practical cooperation, and strengthen coordination in multilateral platforms such as BRICS and the United Nations to jointly uphold the independence and autonomy of the Global South. El-Din reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to the One-China principle and opposition to interference in China's internal affairs.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Middle East situation. Wang Yi stressed that differences should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, opposing the use of force, and noted that the memorandum of understanding signed between the US and Iran is a positive signal that should be jointly upheld. China is willing to maintain communication with Egypt, promote peace talks, and contribute to regional peace and stability.

Commentary

Although this diplomatic news does not directly involve New Zealand, it has an indirect impact on local small and medium-sized business owners. China's consolidation of its comprehensive strategic partnership with Egypt demonstrates its deepening engagement in the Middle East. If the Middle East situation stabilises due to major-power diplomacy such as that of China and the US, global energy costs and trade routes stand to benefit—New Zealand's exports of dairy and meat to the Middle East may face a more stable market environment.

Meanwhile, enhanced China-Egypt cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative could generate third-market opportunities in infrastructure and logistics. New Zealand businesses could look for subcontracting needs of Chinese companies in Egyptian projects. However, there is a risk that shifts in China's diplomatic priorities may affect the pace of China-New Zealand trade negotiations.

It is recommended that New Zealand SME owners monitor economic and trade agreements signed between China and Middle Eastern countries, and assess potential risks to their own supply chains or export destinations.

Keywords: Wang Yi, Egypt, El-Din, 70th anniversary of China-Egypt diplomatic relations, Middle East situation, BRICS, Belt and Road Initiative, dialogue and negotiation, Global South

Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand