Abdelatty, Lavrov Reaffirm Strategic Partnership in High-Level Talks in Cairo

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Friday reaffirmed their pride in the close relations and strategic partnership between Egypt and Russia, underscoring the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and developmental fields.

The remarks came during Lavrov’s official visit to Cairo, where the two ministers held extensive talks focusing on strengthening bilateral relations as well as exchanging views on pressing regional and international issues of mutual concern, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Tamim Khallaf.

Both sides emphasized the importance of sustaining joint efforts to advance ongoing cooperation projects, notably the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and the Russian Industrial Zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

The ministers agreed that these projects represent pillars of the economic partnership between the two countries and will contribute to boosting Russian investments in Egypt and expanding industrial and technological cooperation. They also highlighted the importance of revitalizing tourism ties by increasing the number of direct flights between Egyptian and Russian cities.

During the meeting, Abdelatty presented Egypt’s promising investment opportunities, particularly in light of the state’s strategy to localize industry and promote technology transfer. He expressed Egypt’s interest in attracting additional Russian investments, pointing to the country’s favorable investment climate, especially in the energy, tourism, transport, and logistics sectors. These factors, he noted, are key to elevating trade and economic relations to broader horizons.

Discussions also addressed a range of regional developments, with a particular focus on the situation in Gaza. Abdelatty reviewed Egypt’s efforts to support stability and de-escalation in the Strip, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, and implement the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Agreement, including moving toward the second phase of its provisions.

The Egyptian foreign minister outlined Cairo’s vision for the transitional phase, stressing the importance of empowering an international stabilization force and forming a Palestinian technocratic committee in Gaza as a step toward restoring the Palestinian Authority’s role. He also emphasized the need to launch early recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s firm rejection of any measures that could entrench the separation between the West Bank and Gaza or undermine the two-state solution. He called on the international community to play a more effective role in halting escalation in the West Bank, condemning settler violence against Palestinian civilians and denouncing continued settlement expansion.

The talks also covered the deteriorating situation in Sudan, with Abdelatty expressing Egypt’s deep concern over ongoing escalation and grave violations against Sudanese civilians. He highlighted Egypt’s role within the Quadrilateral Mechanism to achieve a humanitarian truce leading to a ceasefire and the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors.

Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering position in support of Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, stressing that any attempts to fragment the country cross “red lines” directly linked to Egypt’s national security.

On Lebanon and Syria, the Egyptian minister reiterated Cairo’s consistent support for Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty, and stability, while reaffirming Egypt’s rejection of any actions that undermine Syria’s territorial integrity. He called for a comprehensive political process that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people.

The two ministers exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear file, with Abdelatty emphasizing the need to de-escalate tensions, build confidence, and revive diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement that balances the interests of all parties and enhances regional security.

They also discussed the Ukraine crisis, where Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s longstanding position advocating peaceful resolutions through dialogue and diplomatic means. He expressed Egypt’s readiness to contribute to any international efforts aimed at reaching a political settlement.

On his part, Lavrov conveyed the greetings of Russian President Vladimir Putin to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, praising the depth of the strategic partnership between Moscow and Cairo. He also commended Egypt’s active regional role in promoting peace and stability, stressing the importance of continued consultation and coordination between the two countries on issues of shared interest.

Lavrov expressed Russia’s aspiration to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in a way that serves the interests of both nations and supports their shared vision for expanded strategic collaboration.