Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdel-Aati met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Manila.
The two ministers praised the strong and longstanding relations between Egypt and Russia. They reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding bilateral co-operation across various fields.
Minister Abdel-Aati welcomed the installation of the pressure vessel for Unit 2 of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant on July 9. He praised the progress achieved in implementing the project.
The Egyptian minister also welcomed the selection of the industrial developer for the Russian Industrial estate in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, voicing hope that the estate would begin operations soon.
He said the project would help attract more Russian investments to Egypt. It would also strengthen economic, trade and industrial co-operation between the two countries.
The two ministers also discussed steps to establish a logistics centre in Egypt for grain and petroleum products. The centre is expected to support trade flows and facilitate the exchange of strategic commodities.
Minister Lavrov said Russia had granted preliminary approval for Alamein International Airport and Alexandria International Airport. The move paves the way for launching seasonal flights and increasing Russian tourist arrivals to Egypt.
The talks also covered regional developments with minister Abdel-Aati highlighting Egypt’s efforts to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation in the region.
He stressed the importance of relying on diplomatic and negotiation-based solutions to resolve conflicts. He also underlined the need to protect freedom of navigation in international waterways in line with international law.
He warned that any disruption to maritime traffic could negatively affect the global economy and energy security. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and security of international shipping routes.
The two ministers also discussed developments in Sudan. In this respect, Minister Abdel-Aati reiterated Egypt’s support for Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national institutions.
He stressed the need to reach a ceasefire, ensure the safe and sustainable delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the launch of an inclusive Sudanese-led political process.
Such a process, he said, should preserve Sudan’s resources and meet the aspirations of its people for security and stability.
Lavrov expressed Russia’s appreciation for its co-operation with Egypt. He stressed the importance of continuing efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining consultations and co-ordination on regional and international issues of common interest, reflecting the depth of relations between Egypt and Russia.
