President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met Thursday with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg.
According to the official spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency, Counselor Ahmed Fahmy, Putin expressed appreciation for El-Sisi’s significant role in initiating the inaugural Russia-Africa Summit during Egypt’s presidency of the African Union in 2019. The Summit aimed to strengthen and deepen the unique and historical ties between Africa and Russia, and enhance bilateral consultations on addressing shared challenges.
Putin highlighted the importance of continuous coordination and consultation with President El-Sisi on various regional and international issues of mutual interest. He also commended Egypt’s role as a cornerstone of security and stability in the Middle East and Africa.
El-Sisi emphasized his keenness to deepen partnership relations with the Russian Federation within the framework of the ongoing development of these relations. He applauded the established bilateral cooperation in several areas and ongoing joint projects, especially the Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone and the Dabaa nuclear power plant project.
The Egyptian President stressed the importance of formulating practical outcomes from the Russia-Africa Summit for the benefit of African peoples primarily. He affirmed Egypt’s readiness to enhance various aspects of trilateral cooperation in the African continent.
The meeting touched on developments in a number of issues related to bilateral relations, including the Dabaa nuclear power plant project, the Russian industrial zone, cooperation in the development of the transport and railway system, and shared security and counterterrorism efforts.
On another front, the Presidents reviewed regional and international issues of shared interest and exchanged views on ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, including the situations in Sudan, Syria, Libya, and the Palestinian issue. They agreed on pushing efforts to restore and consolidate security, stability, and peace in the region while maintaining the unity and sovereignty of its territories and the rights of its peoples.
Putin briefed El-Sisi on the developments in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. El-Sisi assured his support for all endeavors that could expedite a peaceful political settlement of the crisis to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian suffering, end the negative economic repercussions on the world, particularly developing and African countries, and maintain international security and stability.
