President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed efforts to deepen bilateral ties and advance major joint projects during a meeting on Saturday on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

 

The two leaders reviewed the ongoing Egypt-Russia partnership, including the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and the Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, as well as cooperation in energy, trade, investment, food security and tourism, according to Mohamed El-Shenawy, spokesperson for the Egyptian presidency.

 

El-Sisi stressed Egypt’s readiness to address any challenges that could affect the implementation of joint projects and welcomed Russia’s approval of Alexandria and Alamein international airports, a move expected to support Russian tourism to new destinations in Egypt.

 

Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Egypt and supporting the country’s comprehensive development efforts, including the implementation of major projects according to agreed timelines and specifications.

 

The two presidents also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the Palestinian issue, the Iranian crisis and developments in Sudan.

 

On Gaza, El-Sisi highlighted Egypt’s efforts to advance the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement and stressed the need for sufficient and sustained humanitarian aid to the territory.

 

Regarding Iran, the leaders stressed the priority of de-escalation and a return to negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive and lasting agreement through peaceful means.

 

The discussions also covered the situation in Sudan, with both leaders underscoring the need to preserve the country’s sovereignty, unity and national institutions.