Egypt, Russia review progress on El-Dabaa Plant, Russian Industrial Zone in SCZONE

Ahram Online , Tuesday 11 Nov 2025

Egypt and Russia reviewed the progress of their key joint projects, the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and the Russian Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), which are considered central to strengthening industrial and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Badr Abdelatty
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during their meeting in Cairo, Egypt. Photo courtesy of Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

 

During a meeting on Monday with the Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s hope that the industrial zone will begin operations soon.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ambassador Tamim Khalaf said the minister urged Russian companies to expand their investments in Egypt, reflecting the strength of bilateral economic ties.

He also welcomed the growing momentum of the joint political and technical committees, most recently the 15th session of the Egyptian-Russian Joint Committee for Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation.

The discussions, Khalaf said, aimed to strengthen further the historic and strategic partnership between the two nations and to maintain close coordination on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The two sides underscored their commitment to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Egypt and Russia and to bolstering cooperation across multiple sectors.

Minister Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s appreciation for its deep-rooted relations with Russia and its keenness to expand collaboration in trade, energy, and industry.

The talks also addressed the situation in Gaza and Ukraine, with Minister Abdelatty outlining Egypt’s ongoing efforts to consolidate and sustain the ceasefire in the strip.

He emphasized the importance of joint action to implement the second phase of the agreement, which encompasses political, developmental, and humanitarian dimensions.

He highlighted Egypt’s efforts aimed at alleviating the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinians and accelerating reconstruction, affirming that preparations are underway for the Cairo International Conference on the Early Recovery, Reconstruction, and Development of Gaza.

On the conflict in Ukraine, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s consistent position in favour of a peaceful, diplomatic solution that safeguards regional and global stability and prevents further harm to civilians.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to continue consultation and coordination on international and regional issues, particularly efforts to support stability and development in the Middle East, in a manner that serves the interests of the Egyptian and Russian peoples.

Later on Monday, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met with Shoigu and his accompanying delegation, emphasizing the importance of boosting trade, increasing Russian investment in Egypt, and enhancing cooperation in tourism and transportation as part of broader efforts to deepen economic integration.

President El-Sisi also discussed the Russian Industrial Zone in the SCZone, which covers over 5 million square metres and is expected to attract billions of dollars in investments. The zone is planned to serve as a regional hub for Russian manufacturing and exports to African and Middle Eastern markets.

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