Conversation with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met in Moscow to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with trade between the two nations growing by 50% since 2022 to exceed $27 billion.
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Moscow for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The meeting comes as trade between Russia and Africa has increased by 50% since 2022, exceeding $27 billion, with Egypt accounting for a significant portion of this total.
Putin highlighted the historical relationship between the two countries, rooted in mutual respect and assistance, and noted that bilateral trade continues to grow despite regional tensions.
Nuclear Cooperation
A key focus of the discussions was the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project, which is proceeding on schedule. On July 9, a formal ceremony marked the installation of the reactor pressure vessel for the second power unit. Egypt expressed commitment to completing the project according to established timelines and fulfilling payment obligations.
We are committed to completing these projects according to the established timelines, and we are making every effort to fulfil our payment obligations. I am counting on your support to ensure that we meet our deadlines; we would very much like to maintain the current project schedule.
Egypt also expressed interest in expanding nuclear cooperation beyond 2030, including potential installation of new power units, development of a research reactor and testing center, collaboration on small modular reactors and floating nuclear power plants, and partnership in uranium and rare metals extraction.
Economic and Trade Relations
The leaders emphasized the importance of economic and trade cooperation, with the joint intergovernmental commission working productively. Preparations are underway for its 16th meeting, scheduled to take place in Egypt in 2027.
Egypt also proposed support for the Russian industrial zone project, offering to provide all necessary incentives, benefits, and support to the Russian management company to ensure its successful launch and implementation.
Regional and International Context
The meeting follows the Russia-Africa Summit, a format that originated in Sochi in 2019 at el-Sisi's initiative. Putin noted that he and el-Sisi had a productive exchange of views on regional situations during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 11. The discussions reflect Russia's efforts to strengthen ties with African nations amid shifting global dynamics.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations and committed to identifying new areas of cooperation during the upcoming plenary sessions of the summit. The talks represent a continuation of the strategic partnership and cooperation agreement between the two nations.
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