Sisi meets Russian security chief to discuss Gaza ceasefire, trade, nuclear projects
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Monday met with Russian Security Council secretary Sergei Shoigu in a meeting that covered regional conflicts, economic cooperation, and strategic projects between Egypt and Russia.
The meeting, held in the presence of Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Atty, Intelligence Chief Hassan Rashad, and presidential national security adviser Fayza Abu El-Naga, also included high-level Russian officials such as Deputy Security Council Secretary Alexander Venediktov and Russian Ambassador to Cairo Georgiy Y. Borisenko.
Shoigu arrived in Cairo on Sunday, leading a large delegation of senior military, nuclear, and arms officials for talks with Egypt’s leadership, according to RIA News Agency. “Priority topics include prospects for implementing agreements reached at the highest level, including in military and military-technical cooperation,” the Russian Security Council’s press service said.
The Russian delegation includes officials from arms exporter Rosoboronexport, space agency Roscosmos, nuclear agency Rosatom, and ministries of interior, foreign affairs, justice, and industry, as well as representatives of the Russian National Guard, RIA News reported.
According to the Egyptian Presidential statement, Sisi conveyed his greetings to President Vladimir Putin and reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to its comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, while Shoygu expressed Moscow’s intention to deepen bilateral relations and continue political consultations.
The two sides discussed regional stability, with Sisi emphasising the full implementation of the Sharm El-Sheikh ceasefire agreement in Gaza, the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid, and the importance of a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel. He also reaffirmed Egypt’s support for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through comprehensive peace efforts.
On the economic front, discussions focused on expanding trade, investment, and tourism ties, as well as major projects including the Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) and the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.
Shoigu, a longtime ally of President Vladimir Putin and former defence minister who played a central role in Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, remains a key power broker in the Kremlin’s defence and security apparatus. He praised Egypt’s role in the Middle East, describing Sisi’s efforts as pivotal to regional stability and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to continued coordination with Cairo.
Russia and Egypt maintain deep, multifaceted ties, combining Soviet-era military cooperation with major energy and grain deals, even as Cairo navigates relations with Moscow, Western partners, and Gulf allies. The visit underscores Cairo’s careful balancing act, maintaining ties with Moscow while managing relationships with Western partners and Gulf allies amid ongoing regional crises.
Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English