They also discussed the latest developments regarding the Dabaa nuclear power plant, Egypt’s first nuclear plant in Marsa Matrouh, Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said.

The plant, which is being implemented by Russian nuclear energy corporation Rosatom under an agreement signed between Egypt and Russia in 2015, is expected to begin producing power in 2026.

El-Sisi and Putin also exchanged views on the latest developments concerning the establishment of the Russian industrial zone in eastern Port Said.

In July, the Russian authorities and Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) signed a preliminarily agreement to expand the Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal.

The final agreement is expected to be signed before the end of the year, according to a previous statement by SCZone Chairman Yehia Zaki.

The Russian zone, under the new agreement, will be extended to eastern Port Said and Ain Sokhna over an area of 5 million square metres.

El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for the long-standing Egyptian-Russian partnership, saying it has culminated with the conclusion of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed between the two countries.

The two leaders signed the partnership agreement during a bilateral summit in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi in October 2018.

The move, El-Sisi said, “opened new horizons for bilateral cooperation in many fields and joint projects.”

Putin, on his part, affirmed his country’s keenness to continue to “promote the fruitful and close cooperation between the two friendly countries,” Rady said.

The Russian president also highlighted his keenness to foster regular coordination and consultation with the Egyptian president regarding various regional and international issues.

Furthermore, Putin expressed his appreciation for the regional and international efforts exerted by President El-Sisi.

These efforts “strengthened the political paths for settling crises in the region, a matter that has consolidated Egypt’s role as the centre of gravity for maintaining peace and security in its surrounding region,” Putin added.

Moreover, he added that Russia is keen to continue intensive cooperation and coordination between the two countries in this regard.