In a clear affirmation of Egypt’s growing role on the regional and international stage, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has deepened strategic ties with both Russia and Greece during recent high-level meetings.
His discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underscored Egypt’s commitment to multipolar diplomacy, economic development, and regional stability.
During his visit to Moscow, President Sisi reiterated Egypt’s appreciation for its longstanding relationship with Russia, which was formalised through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2018.
At the Victory Day parade, where he was warmly received, Sisi hailed the historic friendship between the two nations. The two presidents held extensive talks addressing co-operation across key sectors, including energy, food security, mining, and industrial development.
Notably, the leaders agreed on expanding Russian tourism to Egypt and promoting Egyptian tourist destinations within Russia. They also looked ahead to the 15th session of the Russian-Egyptian Intergovernmental Commission, to be held in Moscow from May 12–14, as an opportunity to enhance collaboration in trade, technology, and scientific research.
The dialogue extended beyond bilateral issues, touching on urgent regional crises. President Sisi emphasised Egypt’s active mediation in Gaza, particularly efforts to broker a ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian aid, and support prisoner exchanges.
He called for a permanent resolution based on a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
President Putin echoed support for Egypt’s stabilising role in the region, including the Arab plan for Gaza’s reconstruction.
Meanwhile, in Athens, President Sisi and Prime Minister Mitsotakis signed a joint declaration of strategic partnership, marking a new chapter in Egyptian-Greek relations. Their meeting, coinciding with the first session of the High-Level Co-operation Council, reflected shared ambitions to broaden co-operation beyond traditional areas.
The discussions yielded concrete agreements to expand collaboration in energy, trade, investment, technology, tourism, and labour mobility. Of particular significance is the electricity interconnection project (GREGY), which President Sisi described as a transformational initiative linking Egypt’s clean energy supplies to Europe via Greece.
The president stressed the project’s strategic value not just for the two nations, but for the broader Mediterranean and European regions.
The two leaders also agreed to expedite implementation of the bilateral agreement on the seasonal employment of Egyptian workers in Greece, while exploring its extension to sectors beyond agriculture.
Beyond economic co-operation, the leaders addressed pressing geopolitical challenges. Both sides voiced deep concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and condemned the use of starvation and deprivation of medical aid as tools of war.
President Sisi once again stressed Egypt’s firm rejection of any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians and reaffirmed that their rights are inalienable and rooted in international law.
The discussions also encompassed developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Lebanon, and the Red Sea, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, respect for sovereignty, and regional security.
President Sisi concluded by expressing confidence in the strategic partnership with Greece and affirmed Egypt’s enduring commitment to regional peace and economic co-operation.
At a time when the global landscape is increasingly fractured, Egypt’s steady diplomacy–bridging East and West–is a powerful testament to its role as a stabilising force and a reliable partner on the international stage.
Mohamed Fahmy is the editor-in-chief of The Egyptian Gazette and Egyptian Mail newspapers
