Abdelatty and Lavrov met on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers meeting, held 14–15 May in the Indian capital, New Delhi.
According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, Abdelatty affirmed the need to reform the global financial system and strengthen the New Development Bank's role in supporting developing countries.
Middle East crises
During the meeting, the two sides addressed the Iranian crisis. Abdelatty reviewed Cairo’s efforts to de-escalate tensions and contain unrest in the region, stressing the importance of adhering to the US-Iran diplomatic track.
According to the Russian foreign ministry, Abdelatty and Lavrov stressed the need to reach a peaceful solution to the crisis. They also emphasized collaboration with the international community to achieve a sustainable settlement that protects the legitimate interests of the countries in the region.
Regarding Gaza, the Egyptian FM stressed the importance of completing the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan. He also emphasized the unrestricted flow of humanitarian, relief, and medical aid to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip.
Moreover, he noted that the way should be paved for early recovery and construction operations in the strip to begin. The beginning of these operations, Abdelatty affirmed, would enable the Palestinian national committee to assume its responsibilities, culminating in a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian cause.
Both sides also discussed the war in Sudan. Abdelatty emphasized the preservation of Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity. He affirmed Egypt's support for Sudan's national institutions and rejection of any parallel entities.
Similarly, Abdelatty stressed that a comprehensive Sudanese-owned political process must begin.
Speaking of Libya, the Egyptian FM reaffirmed Cairo’s steadfast support for Libya’s unity and stability. He also emphasized the unification of Libya's national institutions and a comprehensive political settlement that paves the way for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections.
Addressing the situation in the Horn of Africa, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for stability in Somalia, stressing that the security of the Red Sea remains the responsibility of the littoral states.
Egypt–Russia ties
During the meeting, both ministers reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Egypt and Russia. They emphasized shared commitment to advancing cooperation across various fields.
The Egyptian FM praised the progress achieved in several joint projects, foremost among them the Russian Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) and the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project.
He stressed the importance of accelerating cooperation on these projects and attracting more Russian investments in priority sectors. He also underscored the need to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries.
Abdelatty further reviewed the Egyptian government’s efforts to improve the investment climate and develop the legislative and institutional environment in support of the private sector.
He praised the existing cooperation on grain imports, noting that Egypt looks forward to expanding it. He added that Egypt was studying the establishment of a grain logistics hub in collaboration with Russia.
For his part, the Russian FM expressed Moscow’s appreciation for the level of cooperation with Cairo. He stressed the importance of continuing consultation and coordination on issues of mutual concern.
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