Egypt’s president hails partnership with Russia

Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Vladimir Putin discussed nuclear projects, trade, and Middle East tensions during their meeting at the BRICS Summit

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi described Egypt’s partnership with Russia as “strategic” during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan on Tuesday.

El-Sisi highlighted key joint projects, including the construction of Egypt’s first nuclear power plant, El Dabaa, on the Mediterranean coast, which is being developed in cooperation with Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation.

Rosatom started building the fourth power unit of the El-Dabaa plant in January. The project, launched in 2017, is being financed jointly by Moscow and Cairo, while Rosatom will supply nuclear fuel to the facility throughout its entire life cycle. For the first ten years, Russia is expected to provide Egypt with assistance in training personnel and operating the plant.

Putin echoed the sentiments expressed by El-Sisi, stressing Russia’s interest in deepening its cooperation with Egypt. “We place special emphasis on expanding friendly relations with Egypt – a long-standing and reliable partner of Russia... We are confidently moving forward in the trade and economic sphere,” he remarked.

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The Russian leader further noted that Egypt now accounts for roughly one-third of Russia’s total trade with Africa. Trade between the two countries grew by 16.4% last year and is continuing to climb. A free-trade agreement between Egypt and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is also being prepared, signaling a future boost in economic ties.

According to a statement from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics on Tuesday, trade between Egypt and its BRICS partners also surged by 15% over the past year. Egypt’s primary exports to BRICS nations included precious stones, jewelry, and fruits and vegetables. On the import side, the country focused on acquiring electrical and mechanical equipment, fuel, grains, iron, steel, and plastics.

In addition to trade and economic matters, the two leaders discussed regional issues, with both calling for an immediate de-escalation in the Middle East. A statement from the Egyptian president’s office emphasized the need for “an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.” El-Sisi underscored the urgency of resolving the ongoing conflict to prevent a further destabilization in the region.

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BRICS was initially founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining the group in 2010. This year, four more countries officially joined the bloc, including Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia, which was also invited to become a member, also participates in BRICS events but has not finalized the ratification process.