Sisi, Lavrov Discuss Strategic Ties and Ukraine Conflict in Cairo

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s support for political efforts aimed at ending the Russia–Ukraine crisis during a meeting on Thursday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Cairo.

The meeting was attended by Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty, along with senior Russian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin and Russia’s Ambassador to Egypt Georgy Borisenko.

According to Presidential Spokesman Mohamed El-Shenawy, President El-Sisi asked Lavrov to convey his greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed appreciation for the steady development of strategic relations between Egypt and Russia across political, economic, and trade sectors. He stressed the importance of continuing cooperation on major joint projects, including the Russian Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone and the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.

Lavrov conveyed President Putin’s greetings in return and reaffirmed Russia’s interest in expanding strategic cooperation with Egypt. He also welcomed continued implementation of agreements reached during President El-Sisi’s visit to Russia in May 2025.

The talks also covered regional and international developments, including the situation in Gaza, Sudan, and Libya. Both sides stressed the need to halt the war in Gaza, maintain the ceasefire, prevent regional escalation, and uphold state sovereignty and territorial integrity.

President El-Sisi welcomed Egypt’s hosting of the second ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, highlighting its role in strengthening economic and development cooperation between Russia and African countries and supporting peace and stability across the continent. Lavrov praised Egypt’s role and said Russia looks forward to holding the next ministerial meeting in 2026, as well as a Russia–Arab summit next year.

On the Russia–Ukraine conflict, President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s support for all international efforts seeking a political settlement and confirmed Cairo’s readiness to contribute to initiatives aimed at ending the crisis through dialogue.