Egypt's Sisi discuss Dabaa nuclear plant, flight resumption, security with Russia's Lavrov in Cairo
Ahram Online, , Saturday 6 Apr 2019


Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed on Saturday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Egypt’s Dabaa nuclear plant, security in the Middle East, and combating terrorism during a meeting in Cairo, a statement by Egypt’s presidency spokesperson Bassam Rady read.

The meeting was attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Chief of General Intelligence Abbas Kamel, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mikhail Bogdanov.

During the meeting, Sisi affirmed Egypt's efforts to consolidate its partnership with Russia in the economic, commercial and industrial fields.

"This was reflected while discussing a number of crucial projects, such as the project of the Dabaa nuclear station, the Russian industrial zone at the Suez Canal axis, and cooperation in the development of [Egypt’s] railway system," the statement read.

Moscow and Cairo signed an agreement in 2015 for Russia to build a nuclear power plant in Egypt, with Russia extending a loan to Egypt to cover the cost of construction.

The president also discussed the resumption of air traffic between Russian cities and the cities of Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada, calling on Russian officials to end the flight suspension soon.

Russia suspended air traffic with Egypt in October 2015 after the crash of a Russian passenger flight from Egypt’s popular tourist resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, which killed all 224 people on board. However, flights were resumed from and to the capital Cairo in April 2018, ending a more than two-and-a-half-year suspension.

The Russian foreign minister affirmed his country's commitment towards development projects in Egypt in accordance with a comprehensive strategic partnership signed between the two countries last October.

Lavrov also stressed that the relevant authorities in Russia are considering various measures necessary to resume air traffic between Russia and the cities of Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada.

On security and the fight against terrorism, the two sides discussed ways to enhance joint bilateral efforts to combat terrorism.

The president discussed Egypt’s vision in this regard and stressed the seriousness of the issue of some countries supporting terrorist groups.

The two sides also discussed the prospects for cooperation in Africa in light of Egypt's current chairmanship of the African Union.

Speaking about the Palestinian crisis, the Egyptian president reiterated that Egypt supports a two-state solution in accordance with international accords, “which is the best solution for achieving peace and calm in the Middle East.”

Regarding the situation in Libya, the president stressed the necessity of urgent action and the concerted efforts of the international community to stop the deterioration of the situation.

The statement said that the president is continuing to work and coordinate with Russia to reach a political settlement in Syria and prevent terrorist movement to other regions.

The Russian FM affirmed his country's appreciation for Egypt’s efforts on all issues in the region, expressing Russia’s keenness to reach political solutions to these various issues, which will contribute to restoring security and stability to the Middle East.

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