Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed food security, energy cooperation and international affairs during a meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
The talks highlighted the broadening relationship between Cairo and Moscow, which now extends beyond traditional political contacts to include nuclear energy, grain supplies, industrial investment and logistics. Both leaders also examined ways to maintain regular consultation on international crises and developments affecting global trade.
President Putin opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance Russia places on Egyptâs assessment of major world events. He said the international environment was undergoing profound changes and that Moscow considered continued dialogue with Cairo essential.
âThere are major developments taking place in the world, and we always look forward to hearing Egyptâs position,â President Putin said, describing Cairoâs views as highly significant to Russia.
He also expressed support for expanding Russian engagement with African countries. Egyptâs geographic location and its political and economic links with the continent make it an important partner in Moscowâs efforts to strengthen relations in Africa.
President El-Sisi responded by describing President Putin as a close and valued friend. He said Egypt and Russia shared a strong interest in preserving their bilateral partnership and developing cooperation in areas of mutual importance.
One of the central issues raised by the Egyptian president was the security of grain supplies. Egypt remains a major importer of cereals, including large volumes sourced from Russia and Ukraine. Continued disruption to production, transport or shipping routes could have direct consequences for Egyptian markets and food security.
President El-Sisi told President Putin that Cairo wanted to ensure the uninterrupted arrival of grain shipments and believed the two governments should establish effective coordination mechanisms to address potential risks.
The discussion also extended to waterways used by international commerce. Egypt is particularly sensitive to developments affecting maritime traffic because the Suez Canal is one of the worldâs most important trade routes. Any escalation near key shipping lanes can increase transportation costs, delay deliveries and place additional pressure on global supply chains.
The Egyptian and Russian presidents therefore considered cooperation on crises that could affect the movement of goods through international waterways, including the canalâs wider operating environment.
Energy cooperation represented another major component of the meeting. President El-Sisi thanked President Putin and Russian companies for their work on the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant, which is being built on Egyptâs Mediterranean coast with Russian assistance.
The facility will consist of four nuclear reactors capable of generating a combined 4,800 megawatts of electricity. The first unit is currently scheduled to enter service in 2028. Construction advanced further in July when the reactor pressure vessel for the second unit was installed, marking a significant stage in the projectâs development.
For Cairo, El-Dabaa is a cornerstone of its long-term strategy to diversify energy sources and increase electricity-generation capacity. For Moscow, the project represents one of its most important partnerships in the Middle East and Africa in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
The two sides have also been discussing plans to build a broader economic partnership. Among the proposals under consideration is the creation of a grain and energy hub in Egypt. The initiative could strengthen the organization of food supplies while supporting investment, storage and distribution activities.
In addition, Egypt and Russia have explored ways to increase Russian investment and move forward with plans for a Russian industrial zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone. The proposed zone could provide Russian companies with a base for manufacturing and distribution, while giving Egypt an opportunity to attract capital, create jobs and expand its role as a regional logistics center.
The meeting took place during Egyptâs third consecutive participation in the BRICS Summit since the country joined the group in January 2024. India is hosting the 18th summit under the theme âBuilding Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.â
President El-Sisi is expected to address both the closed meeting of BRICS leaders and the broader session involving member states and partner countries. His programme also includes discussions with other heads of state and senior officials from international organizations.
The talks with President Putin underscored the increasingly strategic nature of Egyptian-Russian relations. While both governments continue to coordinate on international political issues, their partnership is also being shaped by practical interests involving energy, food supplies, investment and global transportation networks.
