Cairo, Dec 19: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Friday that relations between Egypt and Russia have “witnessed a tangible upward trajectory in recent years,” reaching the level of a strategic partnership with “clear frameworks on the ground.”
Abdelatty made the remarks at a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Cairo. He welcomed Lavrov to Egypt, praising “the historical and distinguished relations that bind the two countries and are based on solid foundations.”
The foreign minister highlighted Egypt’s hosting of the second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, which he said contributes “to strengthening trilateral cooperation between Egypt, Russia, and Africa.” He added that Lavrov will meet President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Saturday along with other ministers attending the conference.
Abdelatty described bilateral relations as being “founded on solid pillars of friendship, mutual respect, and constructive cooperation.” He pointed to the progress in the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project, noting that “the completion of the delivery and installation of the reactor pressure vessel for the first nuclear unit marked a milestone in this important project.”
He added that President El-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin “witnessed the ceremony marking the start of the installation in a historic moment that reflects the commitment of the two friendly countries to the agreed timeline.”
The foreign minister said discussions with Lavrov included trade, investment, agriculture, industry, tourism, and infrastructure, as well as the Russian Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. He said the strategic partnership “is not merely cooperation between two states, but rather deeply rooted relations between two friendly peoples and a strategic vision shared by the leaderships of both countries.”
Abdelatty also addressed regional issues, including the Palestinian situation. He emphasized Egypt’s efforts “to consolidate the ceasefire and ensure safe and full access for humanitarian assistance,” warning that “the current situation in the Palestinian territories? cannot continue in any form.” He reaffirmed “the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, to live in dignity and security, and establish their independent state along June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Lavrov expressed Russia’s appreciation for Egypt’s hosting of the conference and underscored the importance of cultural and educational exchanges. He said Russia was ready “to increase the number of scholarships offered to Egyptian students” and highlighted ongoing collaboration on the El Dabaa nuclear plant and the Russian Industrial Zone.
The Russian foreign minister noted trade between the two countries reached $9.3 billion, a 31% increase, and praised the Aswan High Dam as “a living proof of the strong Egyptian-Russian partnership.” He added that both sides agreed to expand political coordination in international and multilateral forums.
On regional security, Lavrov said Russia and Egypt share a unified position on Gaza, stressing the need “for consolidating the ceasefire deal? while sustaining diplomatic efforts to resume negotiations leading to a two-state solution.” He also highlighted the importance of de-escalation in Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Libya, emphasizing Egypt and Russia’s coordinated approach.
Abdelatty noted that Egypt continues coordination with international partners, including the United States, Qatar, and Turkey, to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. “We are in constant contact to push for the swift implementation of the second phase,” he said, calling the first phase “completed, with one body still unaccounted for.”
The ministers also discussed Iran, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Ukrainian conflict. Lavrov said Russia is committed to resolving the Ukrainian conflict “by peaceful means” and expressed appreciation for the positions of countries such as Egypt, Brazil, China, India, and Gulf states.
Abdelatty described bilateral economic ties as “outstanding” and expressed optimism that relations “would continue to develop in a way that serves the interests of the Egyptian and Russian peoples, based on the principles of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for sovereignty.” (UNI)
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