Comments by Xu Xiujun, associate researcher with the Institute of World Economy and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; comics drawn by Chi Ying

On January 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo for a state visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, after visiting Saudi Arabia. Egypt sent eight fighter jets to escort Xi's plane.

Xi was warmly welcomed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi and senior officials at the airport.

Despite weariness, Xi held talks with Egyptian counterpart President al Sisi, Prime Minister Sherif Ismai and other Egyptian leaders to discuss the traditional friendship, as well as the bright prospects for bilateral ties.

Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. Beijing and Cairo are true friends and good brothers. Both sides have maintained stable and healthy relations through mutual understanding, respect, trust and support for the past six decades.

Xi's visit reflects Beijing attaches great importance to its ties with Egypt. His visit is expected to draw a roadmap for the future relations between the two countries.

Under the "Belt and Road" initiative, Beijing and Cairo hope to conjoin their development strategies, deepen cooperation on infrastructure construction and industrial capacity in concerted efforts to enhance their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Sino-Egyptian friendship will develop like the rush of the Nile River to boost a revival for the Chinese and Egyptian people.