President Vladimir Putin met with President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
On the Russian side, the meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office and Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Aide to the President Yury Ushakov, Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev, First Deputy Minister of Energy Pavel Sorokin, and CEO of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom Alexei Likhachev.
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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President,
It has been a long time since we last met. I am very pleased to see you again.
Indeed, these are turbulent times, and a great many events are unfolding. We remain in contact, as do our colleagues, and our key initiatives are pressing ahead, with plans being implemented. Bilateral trade is growing, and its structure is steadily improving. I would like to reiterate that major projects are being carried out – strictly according to plan – despite any challenges.
We are in constant contact on the international agenda. And we are very pleased to see Egypt, our long-standing and reliable friend in the region, growing stronger under your leadership.
I recall how, under your leadership – back in Sochi – we established the new Russia–Africa format. The next summit in this format is being held this year, and we would be delighted to welcome you to Moscow this autumn, in October, for these events.
Mr President,
Many developments are unfolding both in the region and across the globe. For me, it is not merely interesting but of great importance to know your position on all these issues. You know that we take Egypt’s stance into account in our practical policy-making; today’s meeting is therefore highly valuable.
I am very pleased that we can hold consultations today on the sidelines of the BRICS summit on both bilateral issues and the international agenda.
President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (retranslated): Thank you very much, Mr President. I am always happy to see my dear friend, President Putin.
As you mentioned, the volume of trade between our two countries has exceeded $10 billion, and we are delivering major projects – such as the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant. We are grateful to you, Mr President, for your assistance in this matter and the efforts being made by Rosatom.
Turning to the regional situation, it is certainly crucial to achieve stability – particularly with regard to the security of maritime areas and shipping lanes, and freedom of navigation.
Also, Mr President, you are well aware that Egypt imports large quantities of grain from Russia and Ukraine. Naturally, ensuring the stability of these supplies is of great importance to us. We would like to achieve stability – to steady the situation through our joint efforts. I am very grateful to you, Mr President.
Allow me to extend my best wishes in advance – prematurely, I know – on your upcoming birthday in October.
Thank you, Mr President.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
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