ST PETERSBURG — Russian President Vladimir Putin has highly praised Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for his diplomatic efforts to resolve Middle East conflicts, particularly the Palestinian cause, whilst reaffirming Moscow’s commitment to a sovereign Palestinian state.
Speaking during a meeting with international news agency representatives at the Constantine Palace on Thursday, Mr Putin underscored the growing strategic partnership between Russia and Egypt. His remarks came in response to a question from the Middle East News Agency (MENA) correspondent.
Mr Putin described President Sisi as a close personal friend and a steadfast ally of Russia, thanking him for his continuous commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He noted that Cairo’s diplomatic reach extends beyond immediate regional borders, highlighting President Sisi’s active engagement in addressing the Iranian crisis through communication with all involved parties.
“President Sisi is a friend to me and to Russia, who works tirelessly to develop our bilateral relations,” Mr Putin stated, acknowledging Egypt’s pivotal role in regional stability.
The Russian president also drew attention to the successful implementation of several major joint initiatives in recent years, which serve as the cornerstone of the economic alliance between the two nations. Key projects highlighted include the Russian Industrial Zone (RIZ). The El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.
Mr Putin expressed optimism regarding the timeline for the nuclear facility, stating he hopes to see the completion of the first unit between 2027 and 2028. He added that the project extends beyond infrastructure, with Russia actively training a significant number of local Egyptian engineers and technical cadres to manage the future site.
