Kathmandu— Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2026 in Bishkek from August 30th to September 3rd, followed by state visits to Kyrgyzstan and Egypt, according to an announcement made Wednesday by the Chinese foreign ministry. The trip comes as the SCO celebrates its 25th founding anniversary, and will focus on deepening cooperation within the organization, addressing international issues, and strengthening bilateral ties with both host nations. The visits to Kyrgyzstan and Egypt are intended to bolster relations and explore opportunities for mutual benefit.

SCO Summit Focus

This year’s SCO summit in Bishkek will bring together leaders to discuss the future of cooperation within the organization, particularly given evolving global circumstances. President Xi is expected to engage in detailed discussions with other participating leaders on a range of topics, including deepening collaboration across various sectors and addressing significant international and regional challenges. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the summit aims to guide the SCO towards high-quality development and greater participation in reforming global governance systems.

Kyrgyzstan Bilateral Ties

During his visit to Kyrgyzstan, Xi Jinping will hold talks with President Sadyr Japarov to discuss bilateral relations, key areas of cooperation, and the broader international and regional landscape. Lin Jian noted that China anticipates using this visit as an opportunity to enhance mutually beneficial collaboration across all fronts between the two nations. China hopes to further develop the existing ‘community with a shared future’ between the two countries and deliver tangible benefits to both populations.

Egypt Visit Marks Milestone

Xi Jinping’s state visit to Egypt will be his first in a decade, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt. The Chinese president is scheduled to have an in-depth exchange of views with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest. Lin Jian expressed China’s desire to strengthen traditional friendship with Egypt, provide firm support for each other, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and support each other’s modernization efforts.

Regional Stability Goals

China views both visits as opportunities to contribute to regional and global peace and stability. Through strengthened partnerships with Kyrgyzstan and Egypt, Beijing aims to foster a more cooperative and secure international environment. Lin Jian emphasized that China looks forward to jointly charting a new course for bilateral relations with both countries.

The upcoming trip underscores China’s commitment to multilateralism through the SCO and its dedication to strengthening strategic partnerships with key nations in Central Asia and North Africa.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.