El-Sisi, Putin discuss strategic cooperation on sidelines of V-Day
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Both presidents also discussed developments in Syria, Libya, Sudan, and the broader international landscape, including the war in Ukraine.
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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met and Russian President Vladimir Putin (Egyptian Presidency)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday, reaffirming the growing partnership between the two nations and laying the groundwork for deeper cooperation across political, economic, and regional dimensions.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of Russia's Victory Day celebrations, where President Putin expressed appreciation for El-Sisi's participation, describing it as a reflection of the "deep-rooted and historic" relations between their countries.
President Sisi, in turn, congratulated the Russian leader and people on the occasion and praised the strength of Egypt-Russia ties, which he said are anchored in the 2018 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement. "We are strengthening our interaction and political consultations. Therefore, I very much hope that the meeting of the intergovernmental commission between our countries will be held successfully from May 12 to 14 this year," El-Sisi said during the talks.
Putin echoed the sentiment, calling the relationship "multifaceted" and "successfully developing." "Egypt is Russia's key partner in Africa," he added, noting close coordination on key international issues, including developments in the Middle East.
Economic Alliance
Trade featured prominently in the discussions, with Putin noting that bilateral trade exceeded $9 billion in 2024, an increase of over 30%, and rose by more than 80% in the first two months of 2025. Egyptian statistics show a similar trajectory, with growing imports of Russian goods and a rise in Egyptian exports.
The two leaders reviewed flagship joint projects, including the Russian Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone and the ongoing construction of the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant, which is being built by Russia's Rosatom and is expected to begin operations in 2026. Both sides expressed hope that the upcoming intergovernmental commission meeting in May would advance progress on these initiatives.
Read more: Rosatom proposes granting Africa electricity through nuclear plants
Strategic Convergence
The talks also addressed regional crises, especially the war in Gaza. President El-Sisi briefed Putin on Egypt's ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire, facilitate the release of hostages and detainees, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Palestinians in need. He stressed that the only viable path to lasting peace lies in the establishment of a Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967, borders.
Putin voiced "deep appreciation" for Egypt's regional role and affirmed Russia's full support for Cairo's efforts to restore calm and implement the reconstruction plan for Gaza endorsed by the Arab Summit held in March 2025.
Both presidents also discussed developments in Syria, Libya, Sudan, and the broader international landscape, including the war in Ukraine. El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's call for diplomatic solutions to global conflicts that safeguard international peace and security.
Read more: Putin marks 80 Years since victory in Great Patriotic War
As Egypt continues to expand its role within BRICS and diversify its foreign partnerships, the Moscow summit marks a significant deepening of ties between Cairo and Moscow, reflecting a shared interest in shaping a multipolar world order.
