Sisi and Putin review bilateral cooperation and regional issues

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit held in the Indian capital, New Delhi. Egyptian Presidency Spokesperson Mohamed al-Shennawy said that the two leaders emphasized their keenness to continue efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation across various fields, to serve the interests of both nations. President Sisi underscored the key projects currently being implemented in Egypt within Egyptian-Russian partnership framework – such as the al-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and the Russian Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone – in addition to cooperation in the fields of energy, trade, investment, food security, and tourism. Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to overcoming any challenges that may hinder the implementation of joint projects, and welcomed the decision by relevant Russian authorities to accredit Alexandria and al-Alamein international airports, thereby boosting Russian tourism to new destinations in Egypt. The Russian President reiterated his country’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Egypt and supporting its efforts toward comprehensive development, including executing major projects in accordance with the agreed timelines and specifications. Regional issues The two leaders also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of common interest, particularly the Palestinian cause. They stressed the necessity of reaching a just and comprehensive settlement based on the two-state solution and relevant international legitimacy resolutions. President Sisi reviewed Egypt’s efforts to advance the implementation of the second-phase obligations under the agreement to halt the war in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the need to ensure the adequate and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid. The meeting also tackled the Iranian war, with the two presidents emphasizing the priority of de-escalation and a return to the negotiating track to reach a comprehensive and sustainable agreement resolving the crisis through peaceful means. Both leaders further discussed the latest developments in Sudan and asserted the need to preserve Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and national institutions. President al-Sisi stressed that any infringement upon the security, unity, or sovereignty of Sudan constitutes a red line that Egypt will not allow to be crossed.