President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi affirmed on Wednesday Egypt’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Russia and expanding co-operation across areas of mutual interest, while reiterating Egypt’s firm position on safeguarding regional stability, respecting state sovereignty and pursuing peaceful solutions to international conflicts.
President Sisi made these remarks during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, on the sidelines of his participation in the third Russia-Africa Summit.
Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that President Putin welcomed President Sisi’s visit and participation in the summit.
President Sisi, in turn, expressed his pleasure at visiting Russia and commended its hosting of the event, expressing confidence that it would advance co-operation between Russia and African countries.
The two leaders reviewed progress on key joint strategic projects, including the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and the establishment of a Russian industrial zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
They also discussed expanding bilateral co-operation in trade, healthcare, tourism, education and scientific research.
On regional developments, both presidents stressed the importance of de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and restoring regional security and stability.
President Putin, for his part, praised Egypt’s role in this regard and expressed Russia’s keenness to intensify political consultations and coordination with Cairo, recognising Egypt’s position as a cornerstone of Middle Eastern stability.
The discussions also addressed the Horn of Africa, with President Sisi emphasising the importance of preserving peace and stability and respecting the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of states.
He further stressed that water security is an existential matter for Egypt and rejected any unilateral actions in the Eastern Nile Basin.
Regarding the Ukrainian crisis, President Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s support for all efforts to bring the conflict to an end, particularly initiatives promoting a negotiated political settlement to mitigate its international repercussions.
