Egypt and Russia have engaged in talks to expand their cooperation in the energy and food security sectors. According to Victoria Panova, head of Russia's BRICS Expert Council, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the expansion of the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and the establishment of a joint grain hub in Egypt during the BRICS summit in New Delhi. The summit, held under India's BRICS presidency, brought together leaders from the Global South and East.
The Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant expansion project is one of Russia's most prominent projects in Egypt. Panova stated that the nuclear discussions covered the possible addition of two reactors to the four currently under construction at Dabaa, as well as a desalination facility serving the plant and surrounding communities. The proposed desalination facility would extend the benefits of the project beyond electricity generation by helping meet water needs in neighboring areas.
The talks between El-Sisi and Putin also focused on food security. Panova said the two presidents discussed safeguarding Russian grain shipments to Egypt amid geopolitical tensions and exploring a joint grain hub on Egyptian territory. The initiative could eventually involve other partners. Russia remains Egypt's largest wheat supplier, making the security of grain deliveries a central concern in bilateral cooperation.
The security of grain deliveries is a pressing issue due to attacks on vessels carrying Russian grain, which are affecting exports. Panova identified securing shipments and developing the proposed grain hub as two priorities discussed by the leaders. She emphasized that food is the foundation of a nation's prosperity and well-being.
The BRICS summit's final declaration covered the group's main areas of cooperation and devoted substantial attention to the Middle East, including Gaza and the Palestinian question. Panova said the declaration reaffirmed support for a just settlement based on a two-state solution and the 1967 borders, while addressing the protection of civilian infrastructure, particularly nuclear facilities.
Panova also highlighted the importance of freedom of navigation and uninterrupted energy flows, citing the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal as vital maritime routes. Egypt's ports and the Suez Canal give it a significant role in international logistics, and continuing regional tensions make cooperation on maritime security increasingly important.
Beyond regional conflicts, the declaration addressed reform of global governance, technological cooperation, and payment systems. Panova described these issues as part of a wider program encompassing around 400 BRICS-related events throughout the year, linking the group's diplomatic agenda with cooperation on trade, development, and technology.
Key points
- Egypt and Russia discussed expanding the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and establishing a joint grain hub during talks between President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi.
- The proposed expansion of the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant includes the possible addition of two reactors and a desalination facility.
- The joint grain hub initiative aims to safeguard Russian grain shipments to Egypt and could eventually involve other partners.
