Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expressed on Monday Cairo's appreciation of the “close” ties it enjoys with Moscow that were capped with the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.
He met in Cairo with Secretary of Russia’s Security Council Sergei Shoigu, stressing the need to achieve stability in the Middle East and maintain the territorial integrity of its countries, said an Egyptian presidency statement.
The meeting tackled means to develop bilateral relations between Egypt and Russia in various fields.
They stressed the need to build on the agreements reached at a summit between Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in May.
They also discussed the Russian industrial zone project in the Suez Canal economic zone, Egypt's El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant that is being constructed by Russia and other files.
Sisi underscored the importance of boosting economic, tourism investment cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
For his part, Shoigu stressed Russia’s keenness on developing and elevating ties with Egypt.
He added that consultations will continue over issues of common interest, saying that Moscow appreciates Cairo’s role in the Middle East.
“History will remember the fundamental role the Egyptian president is playing to achieve regional stability,” he stated. Russia will continue to coordinate with Egypt to that end.
On regional developments, SIsi said it was necessary to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement that was reached in Sharm El-Sheikh in October.
This will ensure the unimpeded delivery of aid to the Palestinian enclave, he went on to say.
He also stressed the need to implement the two-state solution and establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
This is the only way to achieve permanent and just peace and stability in the Middle East, declared Sisi.
Chairman of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs and former Egyptian Ambassador to Russia Ezzat Saad said Cairo and Moscow hold constant consultations and exchange views on various affairs.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat: “Egypt is Russia’s greatest partner in Africa on the economic and trade levels. Both sides are keen on cooperating and expanding their trade relations.”
The Russian delegation’s visit s part of the “advanced and multifaceted relations between Egypt and Russia that can be described as strategic and comprehensive,” he added.
Monday’s meeting was attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, chief of intelligence Hassan Rashad and Presidential Adviser for National Security Affairs Faiza Abou el-Naga.
