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- Russian president holds meetings with his Egyptian counterpart and Ethiopia’s prime minister on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow
REVISES DECK, ADDS DETAILS FROM PUTIN'S MEETING WITH ETHIOPIAN PRIME MINISTER
By Burc Eruygur
ISTANBUL (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that his country’s trade turnover with Egypt is “growing steadily” despite regional tensions as he met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Moscow.
In his opening remarks during the talks, which were held on the sidelines of the two-day Russia-Africa summit in Moscow which began earlier in the day, Putin said joint efforts have accomplished a great deal since the first summit in 2019, as shown by the growth in trade between Russia and Africa.
“Since 2022, the total volume has increased by 50%, surpassing $27 billion. Egypt accounts for a significant portion of this trade turnover,” he said, noting that there is much “common ground” between Russia and the continent on development priorities.
Saying that together with their colleagues, they will discuss the state and future prospects of Russia-Africa engagement and outline new areas for cooperation during plenary sessions Thursday, Putin pointed to the two countries’ engagement on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi last month.
“The historic relationship between our two countries is rooted in the principles of mutual respect, consideration for each other’s interests and mutual assistance. These relations are developing successfully in accordance with the Treaty on Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation,” he said
Putin emphasized that trade between Russia and Egypt continues to grow steadily, noting that bilateral trade turnover rose by 14% in the first eight months of 2026.
“In 2025, it reached record levels, exceeding $10 billion for the first time,” he said, praising the joint intergovernmental commission between the two countries.
“The flagship project, the construction of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt, is proceeding according to schedule. On July 9, a formal ceremony was held to mark the installation of the reactor pressure vessel for the second power unit,” he added.
Sisi said Egypt is working to develop the strategic partnership and hopes to expand cooperation primarily in the economy and trade as well as in areas related to grain supplies.
“Furthermore, the El Dabaa project remains the most significant initiative in our bilateral engagement,” he said, noting they are committed to completing the project according to the established timelines and are making “every effort” to meet payment obligations.
He said he is counting on the Russian president's support to ensure they can deliver the El Dabaa project on schedule.
“We look forward to strengthening and broadening our cooperation. This includes the potential for installing new power units beyond 2030 as well as the development of a research reactor and a testing center,” he said.
Sisi added that they are also interested in collaborating with Russia on small-scale nuclear reactors, including floating nuclear power units, and in deepening their partnership within specialized industrial sectors such as the extraction of uranium and rare metals.
- Meeting with Ethiopian prime minister
Later in the evening, Putin also met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, saying that Russia and Ethiopia "stand in solidarity on international affairs."
"We have established a dialogue within the UN, BRICS and other multilateral platforms ... Tomorrow, we will participate together in the summit’s main events. Russia fully supports Africa’s emergence as one of the key centers within the new, multipolar global order," Putin was quoted as saying in a Kremlin statement.
Putin noted that they will place special emphasis on expanding trade and economic cooperation with African nations, ensuring food and energy security and advancing health care.
"At the conclusion of the summit, we will adopt a declaration and a new action plan for the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum for the 2027–2029 period," he added.
Ahmed was quoted as highlighting bilateral cooperation in the nuclear sphere, stating the need to address issues related to financing and the training of Ethiopian engineers and regulators.
"I propose that we formalize an agreement regarding our collaboration in the nuclear sector, establishing it as a priority area for our joint efforts," he said, noting that nuclear energy is not limited to power generation and holds significant potential and offers great opportunities for Ethiopia.
"We are very pleased with our cooperation with Russia, and I believe that our bilateral trade will continue to grow. Trade has already increased this year, and this trend is set to continue. We would like to see Ethiopian goods reach the Russian market. Provided there are no obstacles on your end, we are keen to expand our exports to your country," he added.
Burç Eruygur
