Egypt and Russia discuss nuclear expansion and regional security
Al-Sisi signals interest in additional reactors and research facilities as bilateral trade and political coordination deepen
MOSCOW, Russia (MNTV) — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has discussed expanding nuclear cooperation with Russia, including possible new reactors after 2030, during talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
According to Egyptian media, the meeting took place at the Kremlin on Wednesday on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit.
Al-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to the schedule and financial obligations associated with the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant, where the reactor pressure vessel for its second unit was installed on July 9.
The Egyptian president also expressed interest in developing a research reactor, exploring small and floating nuclear reactors, and cooperating with Russia in uranium and rare-earth and other mineral extraction.
Al-Sisi said Egypt was prepared to offer incentives and support to the Russian company managing the planned Russian Industrial Zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Putin said bilateral trade had exceeded $10 billion in 2025, reaching a record high, and increased by 14 percent during the first eight months of 2026.
He also said Russia’s overall trade with African countries had grown substantially since 2022, exceeding $27 billion, with Egypt accounting for a significant share.
The leaders discussed preparations for the 16th meeting of their joint intergovernmental commission, scheduled to take place in Egypt in 2027. Cooperation in grain supplies, healthcare, education and scientific research was also on the agenda.
Tourism featured prominently in the discussions. Putin said more than 1.2 million Russian tourists visited Egypt during the first half of 2026, following approximately 1.5 million visitors in 2025.
On regional affairs, both leaders called for de-escalation in the Middle East and closer political coordination.
Al-Sisi also reiterated Egypt’s opposition to unilateral measures in the Eastern Nile Basin, describing water security as an existential concern, and supported negotiations aimed at a political settlement of the conflict in Ukraine.
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