This handout picture provided by the Egypt’s Foreign Ministry shows Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty (R) meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov (L) at Tahrir Palace in central Cairo on December 19, 2025. (Photo by Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
The press conference took place ahead of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, scheduled for 19-20 December.
During the conference, the Egyptian FM stressed Cairo’s rejection of any interventions that could destabilize the region, stressing that achieving regional stability requires serious coordination with partners.
“The rapid developments in the region and the world confirm that we are going through a highly complex phase,” Abdelatty emphasized during the presser.
Egyptian-Russian ties
During the presser, the Egyptian FM noted that his discussions with Lavrov touched on the strategic relations between Egypt and Russia, as well as ways to increase trade exchange. He also emphasized the strong, deep ties between Egypt and Russia across various fields of cooperation.
“Egyptian–Russian relations have witnessed a tangible upward trajectory in recent years across all levels, going beyond diplomatic frameworks to extend into a strategic partnership,” Abdelatty said during the presser.
He pointed to a record growth in trade exchange levels between Egypt and Russia recently.
For his part, the Russian FM expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s hosting of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum.
He affirmed mutual agreement to raise the level of political coordination between Egypt and Russia in regional forums, as well as a convergence of views on many international issues.
“We are keen to increase the volume of trade exchange between Russia and Africa,” Lavrov said, noting that Egyptian-Russian trade exchange has increased by more than 12 percent in the recent period.
He affirmed a significant Egyptian–Russian cooperation in infrastructure projects, as well as in power plants, which represents a pivotal milestone in joint ties.
“Egyptian–Russian cooperation regarding the industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone is of major importance,” the Russian FM said during the presser.
Middle East crises
The talks further addressed the Gaza war, where Abdelatty affirmed the necessity of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803. He also stressed the need to operate the Rafah border crossing from both directions.
Moreover, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s intensive efforts to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid to the Strip.
The Egyptian FM also addressed the Sudanese crisis and efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, underscoring Egypt’s ongoing efforts to reach a settlement that would alleviate suffering in Sudan.
On Libya, Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s firm rejection of any external interventions in Libya, affirming the need for expediting the simultaneous holding of presidential and parliamentary elections.
For his side, the Russian FM emphasized that diplomatic efforts must continue to sustain the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, affirming the need to work toward a two-state solution and to de-escalate the situation in the West Bank.
He also addressed the Sudanese war, where he stressed the importance of launching a comprehensive political process.
On Libya, the Russian top diplomat affirmed Moscow’s agreement with Cairo’s view, stressing the necessity of holding presidential and parliamentary elections.
Lavrov further commended Egypt’s efforts and mediation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as well as its balanced stance on the Ukraine crisis.
Short link: