Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, where they discussed expanding nuclear cooperation, including potential new reactors after 2030. Al-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant project, with the reactor pressure vessel for unit two installed on July 9. The two leaders also explored cooperation in uranium and rare metals extraction.
Al-Sisi expressed interest in building a research reactor, small and floating nuclear reactors, to further enhance Egypt's nuclear capabilities. Putin noted that bilateral trade between Egypt and Russia reached a record high of over $10 billion in 2025, with a 14% increase in the first eight months of 2026. The leaders highlighted growing economic ties, with Egypt accounting for a significant share of Russian-African trade, which has grown by 1.5 times since 2022, exceeding $27 billion.
The meeting covered preparations for the 16th meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission, scheduled to be held in Egypt in 2027. The two sides also discussed cooperation in grain supplies, health, education, and scientific research. Putin mentioned that over 1.2 million Russian tourists visited Egypt in the first six months of 2026, following approximately 1.5 million visitors throughout 2025.
Regional and international diplomacy were also on the agenda, with both leaders stressing the need to de-escalate ongoing tensions in the Middle East to restore regional stability. Putin praised Egypt's pivotal role in the region and affirmed Russia's intention to intensify political coordination with Cairo. Al-Sisi underscored the necessity of maintaining peace and respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity in the Horn of Africa.
Al-Sisi reiterated that water is an existential issue for Egypt, expressing complete rejection of unilateral measures in the Eastern Nile Basin. Regarding the Ukrainian crisis, Al-Sisi affirmed Egypt's support for efforts aimed at a political settlement through negotiations to limit the conflict's international repercussions. The two leaders also discussed ways to support the Russian Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
To support the Russian Industrial Zone, Al-Sisi stated that Egypt is fully prepared to provide all preferences, exemptions, and support to the Russian managing company. The leaders' meeting demonstrated the strengthening ties between Egypt and Russia, with cooperation extending beyond economic and nuclear issues to regional security and diplomacy.
The discussion on regional security and diplomacy reflects the complex and interconnected nature of global politics, with Egypt and Russia navigating multiple challenges and opportunities. As both countries continue to engage on various fronts, their relationship is likely to have significant implications for regional and international dynamics.
Key points
- Egypt and Russia discuss expanding nuclear cooperation, including potential new reactors after 2030.
- Bilateral trade between Egypt and Russia reached a record high of over $10 billion in 2025.
- The two leaders stress the need to de-escalate ongoing tensions in the Middle East to restore regional stability.
