Egypt’s Sisi meets Tatarstan leader, invites investors to Suez Canal industrial zone

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov in Cairo on Tuesday, discussing ways to expand economic cooperation and inviting investors to participate in a planned Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE).

The talks at the Ittihadiya Palace were attended by Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, several Egyptian ministers, and senior officials from Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan.

Sisi welcomed Minnikhanov and asked him to convey his greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting momentum in Egypt-Russia strategic relations across multiple sectors, including cooperation with Tatarstan, the presidency said in a statement.

He also pointed to Tatarstan’s development in industrial, technological, and agricultural sectors, reaffirming Egypt’s interest in strengthening economic ties with both Russia and the region.

Minnikhanov said Tatarstan was keen to deepen cooperation with Egypt, noting progress in ties since his last visit to Cairo in 2018 and Sisi’s visit to Kazan in 2024 for the BRICS summit 2024 Kazan. He also praised Egypt’s role in supporting regional security in the Middle East and Africa.

The meeting also focused on the planned Russian industrial zone in the SCZONE, with Sisi calling for participation of Tatarstan’s industrial developers and investors.

Both sides also highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in culture, education, tourism, agriculture, and industry.

Minnikhanov invited Sisi to visit Kazan during a future trip to Russia, an invitation the Egyptian president welcomed.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English