Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political, economic, and developmental cooperation with Africa during the opening of the second ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, which convened in Cairo on Saturday with broad participation from across the continent.
Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdel Aaty and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stood at the center of the official group photograph marking the opening of the conference, symbolizing the joint leadership of the forum. The two ministers co-chaired the ministerial sessions, which brought together representatives from 50 African countries, as well as several heads of regional and continental organizations.
Speaking at a joint press conference following the conclusion of the forum’s sessions, Abdel Aaty said Egypt and Russia had reached a clear and shared position on the Palestinian issue, stressing that a just and lasting solution must be based on the two-state solution. He emphasized the necessity of establishing an independent Palestinian state along the borders of June 4, 1967, as the foundation for achieving comprehensive and fair peace in the region.
The Egyptian foreign minister also underlined Cairo’s position on regional security, warning against unilateral actions in sensitive areas such as the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. He reiterated Egypt’s call for political solutions to ongoing conflicts in several African countries, stressing that stability and development cannot be achieved through military means alone.
Abdel Aaty noted that discussions during the forum focused on advancing Russian-African relations and enhancing political consultation between the two sides. He revealed that participants reviewed the joint action plan for the 2023–2026 period, which is nearing completion, and agreed on the need to update cooperation frameworks to reflect evolving priorities. He added that Egypt and Russia are actively preparing for the next Russia–Africa summit, with the aim of reinforcing efforts toward sustainable development and long-term stability across the continent.
Lavrov, for his part, confirmed that the ministerial forum reached a consensus on the necessity of establishing an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders. He said the issue was discussed in depth and reflected a shared commitment to international legitimacy and relevant United Nations resolutions.
The Russian foreign minister explained that the meeting adopted a detailed joint plan of action for the coming period and agreed to intensify efforts to boost trade exchange and economic cooperation between Russia and African nations. He emphasized that economic partnership remains a cornerstone of Russia’s engagement with Africa, alongside political coordination and development support.
Lavrov also highlighted that the forum reaffirmed the importance of upholding the United Nations Charter, noting that the joint statement issued at the conclusion of the conference reflected a collective determination to strengthen multilateralism. He added that participants agreed on the need to continue confronting what he described as new forms of colonial practices, reaffirming Africa’s right to independent decision-making and sovereign development paths.
The Cairo conference underscored Egypt’s role as a key bridge between Africa and major international partners, as well as Russia’s intention to expand its footprint on the continent through structured dialogue and long-term cooperation. As preparations begin for the next Russia–Africa summit, both sides signaled that the partnership is entering a new phase focused on political alignment, economic growth, and shared approaches to regional and global challenges.
