Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to commence a two-nation state visit to Kyrgyzstan and Egypt this week, as announced by Beijing on Wednesday. Xi's itinerary includes traveling to Bishkek on Sunday and concluding his journey next Thursday, according to China's Foreign Ministry.

According to Anadolu Agency, this trip marks Xi's second overseas visit of the year, following his state visit to North Korea in June. The visits are at the request of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. In Kyrgyzstan, Xi will participate in a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian highlighted the close relationship between China and Kyrgyzstan, referring to them as 'good neighbors' and 'good friends of mutual trust.' The two nations established diplomatic ties 34 years ago, and their relationship has grown significantly, with bilateral trade reaching more than $27 billion in recent years.

In Egypt, this will be Xi's first state visit in a decade. Lin noted that Egypt was the first Arab and African nation to establish diplomatic ties with China 70 years ago, with bilateral trade now exceeding $10 billion. The visit is seen as important for enhancing political trust and cooperation in various fields between the two countries.

Lin emphasized that the visit will allow Xi and Sisi to discuss bilateral ties and international and regional issues of mutual interest. The Egyptian presidency confirmed Xi's visit, with presidential spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy stating that the two leaders will explore ways to strengthen their strategic partnership.

Xi's visit to Egypt coincides with joint air force drills, 'Eagles of Civilisation,' being conducted by the two countries' militaries. China's People's Liberation Army Air Force has deployed significant military assets to Egypt for these exercises, where they are joined by Egypt's French-made Rafale fighter jets.