Egypt welcomes Russian initiatives for cooperation on the African continent and is interested in developing bilateral cooperation, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said on Wednesday.
"We are always positive about all initiatives, including those from your side, that relate to bilateral cooperation and interaction on the African continent. Of course, we are interested in strengthening bilateral cooperation with Russia in various fields," El-Sisi said at a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg.
Speaking about relations between Moscow and Cairo, the president emphasized the intention to "bring them to the horizons they deserve."
El-Sisi noted the special significance of the construction project, with the help of the Russian state corporation Rosatom, of the country's first nuclear power plant, El-Dabaa.
"The fundamental project in our cooperation is [the one] of the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant and the creation of a Russian industrial zone," El-Sisi said.
The leader noted the "special nature of relations" that bind Russia and Egypt.
He also thanked Putin "for the successful preparation for the upcoming event" and expressed confidence that "significant decisions will be reached as a result of the Russia-Africa summit."
President Putin agreed that Russia and Egypt have promising energy projects, including the one on the construction of a nuclear power plant that is developing according to plan.
"We have big, promising energy projects, in particular, I am referring to the project for the construction of a nuclear power plant. Everything is developing according to plan," Putin said.
"It increased by another 7% to the level of last year from January-May 2023," Putin said.
Putin also thanked El-Sisi for participating in the Russia-Africa summit, noting that now his Egyptian colleague is chairing the African economic development project, it means "there will be something to talk about in this area."
The second Russia-Africa summit will take place in St. Petersburg on July 27-28, along with an economic and humanitarian forum.