The Presidency
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, participated, via video conference, in the ceremony for the installation of the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) for the first nuclear unit at El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant. The event coincided with Egypt’s fifth annual celebration of Nuclear Energy Day, which is observed on the 19th of November each year.
Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said the event began with an introductory film about the Egyptian nuclear project, followed by speeches by Director General of ROSATOM, Mr. Alexey Likhachev, and Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Eng. Mahmoud Esmat, and a recorded message from Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi.
This was followed by a speech by Russian President Putin, delivered via video conference. The Russian President offered congratulations to Egypt on the installation of the Reactor Pressure Vessel for the first nuclear unit, affirming that the ongoing cooperation between Egypt and Russia in the construction of the reactor at the current pace constitutes a significant success. He confirmed that the project will provide the necessary electricity to support the growing Egyptian economy.
President Putin stressed that the direct support and personal follow-up from President El-Sisi played a decisive role in the swift achievement and in reaching an advanced stage of the construction of El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant. President Putin extended his greetings to President El-Sisi on the occasion of his birthday.
The Russian President also underscored his country’s support for Egypt’s developmental ambitions within the framework of the extended strategic partnership and cooperation between the two countries. He pointed out that bilateral relations between Egypt and Russia are deep-rooted, dating back many decades that witnessed the participation of Soviet experts in the construction of the High Dam and a number of major Egyptian factories.
President Putin affirmed that this partnership is ongoing and is manifested in the increasing volume and rate of trade between the two countries, the intensification of industrial cooperation, and Russia’s continued progress in establishing an industrial zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
The Russian President elaborated that the electricity to be generated by El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant will contribute to enhancing Egypt’s energy security, noting that the implementing Russian corporation adopts the latest technological advancements, while maintaining full commitment to environmental standards. He further stated that the Russian side is providing training and qualification programs for Egyptian personnel working in the nuclear field, with the possibility of utilizing nuclear science and technology in other sectors, such as medicine and agriculture.
President Putin concluded his speech by thanking the employees involved in El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project from both the Egyptian and Russian sides, congratulating Egypt on the fifth anniversary of Nuclear Energy Day, and, once again, extending birthday greetings to President El-Sisi.
President El-Sisi delivered a speech on this occasion, followed by a documentary film detailing the stages of manufacturing, inspection, and transfer of the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) to El Dabaa site.
Chairman of the Nuclear Power Plants Authority, Dr. Sherif Helmy, announced the readiness for the installation of the RPV for the first nuclear unit. He requested authorization and the signal to commence execution from President El-Sisi and President Putin, marking the beginning of the Reactor Pressure Vessel installation ceremony.
President El-Sisi’s Speech at Ceremony Marking RPV Installation at El Dabaa Nuclear Plant
“In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful”
Your Excellency President Vladimir Putin,
President of the Russian Federation,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me pleasure, at the outset of my speech, to express my profound appreciation and deepest pride to His Excellency the President of the Russian Federation, my dear friend Vladimir Putin, for his participation in this historic event, featuring the installation of the Reactor Pressure Vessel, RPV, for the first nuclear unit as well as the signing of the nuclear fuel procurement order. This marks a pivotal step that further advances the completion of El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project.
I also wish to convey my sincere gratitude to His Excellency for his support of this strategic project and for his personal and direct follow-up and commitment to its success. I further extend my heartfelt appreciation to all esteemed guests for their participation.
Your Excellency President Putin,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, we carve a new, bright chapter in the nation’s journey. Since the middle of the last century, Egypt’s nuclear dream has continuously inspired its people. Today, we witness that dream materializing on the ground, thanks to unwavering will, tireless work, and resolute determination.
The relations between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Russian Federation are deep-rooted strategic ties, expanding over all sectors. They are founded on mutual respect and shared understanding, irrespective of regional or international challenges.
This momentous event we are celebrating today stands as an extension of the fruitful bilateral cooperation between our two countries, established through mega projects that have left an enduring mark on the path of development and progress. This cooperation extends from the construction of the High Dam in the 1960s to the national project for establishing El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.
This colossal national edifice is endowed with profound strategic significance for Egypt and sends a vibrant message: that we are proceeding with steady and firm steps toward a more advanced and sustainable future. We have surmounted all challenges, driven by sincere resolve and diligent efforts, to reach this advanced stage of implementation.
This stands as a substantial testament that our partnership is not confined to eloquent political declarations, but is, in fact, embodied in concrete projects that deliver genuine development and generate direct benefits for both our peoples.
Amidst the successive crises currently gripping the global energy sector and the rising costs of fossil fuels, the significance and wisdom of the strategic decision taken by the Egyptian State to revive its peaceful nuclear program are demonstrably clear. This program represents a national choice that guarantees the security of sustainable, safe, and clean energy sources, thereby reinforcing the objectives of Egypt’s Vision 2030.
This decision also consolidates Egypt’s status as a regional energy hub, aligning with the State’s endeavors aimed at achieving comprehensive development.
El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project represents a strategic breakthrough in the localization of knowledge and a genuine investment in national cadres. This encompasses extensive cooperation in the fields of training and technology transfer, enabling the preparation of a new generation of Egyptian expertise in nuclear energy and heavy manufacturing specializations, thereby establishing Egypt’s leading position on the map of the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Moreover, the project drives the creation of thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities, thus bolstering the path toward development and prosperity.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Once again, I extend my gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency President Vladimir Putin. I also offer my sincere thanks to all who have contributed their efforts to the execution of this project, including the experts, engineers, and workers from both the Egyptian and Russian sides, for their commitment and dedicated efforts, delivering unprecedented implementation rates.
I call upon everyone to sustain this determined effort and momentum to ensure the completion of the project in accordance with the highest international standards. This commitment will solidify Egypt’s standing among the pioneering nations in the peaceful applications of nuclear energy and foster its path toward a more progressive and sustainable future.
Thank you
Thank you Your Excellency, President Vladimir Putin, my dear friend
