Media call Xi's visit to Egypt historical

Egyptian media hailed on Tuesday President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Cairo as a "historical" leap in the two nation's comprehensive ties.

"The visit is completion of steps that both sides undertook on the road of cooperation at several levels, especially the strategic one," said Essam al-Sebai, managing editor of state-run Akhbar newspaper.

The visit will shadow an old mutual heritage and strong history of cooperation and common interests, al-Sebai told Xinhua.

Cairo has attempted to develop balanced political and economic ties with many countries, especially those with which it has common interests, such as China, he said.

In the economic sphere, Egypt needs China's experience, particularly in the IT industry, while China eyes new markets in Africa via Egypt, he said.

On the future of ties between the two countries, al-Sebai said good intentions are not enough, and they should be developed through partnership and work.

Ahmad al-Naghar, editor-in-chief of Egypt's official Ahram newspaper, said Xi's visit is a "reflection of a true desire to strengthen the strategic ties."

In addition to Egypt, Xi's Middle Eastern tour includes visits to Saudi Arabia and Iran, reflecting China's desire to calm tensions in the region, al-Naghar said, adding that Egypt sincerely wants to spread regional peace.

Regarding tourism, al-Nagar said 127 million Chinese traveled overseas in 2015, but only a small number visited Egypt, and he expected tourism would be a promising field for more cooperation.

He also said Xi's Belt and Road Initiative has a symbolic meaning, as it will be "a model for cooperation among countries with different degrees of power, cultures, races, religions and motivations."

Alaa Hayder, head of the official MENA news agency, agrees that Xi's trip has historical significance, particularly economically.

"There should be integration between the Suez corridor and the Silk Road," he suggested, adding that he expected more projects to be launched in the corridor during and after Xi's visit.

"Investing in the Suez corridor developmental area would also serve the Silk Road," he said.

Adel Sabry, chief editor of Arab Egypt website, said the Xi's tour is significant for the whole Middle East, which is facing huge political developments.