Putin Calls Egypt a ‘Long-Standing and Reliable Friend’

Russian President Vladimir Putin has highlighted the close relationship between Russia and Egypt on Friday, 11 September, describing Egypt as a “long-standing and reliable friend” during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

The meeting between the two leaders focused on the growing partnership between Russia and Egypt, including trade and major joint projects. 

Putin said Moscow was pleased with the progress in bilateral relations and pointed to continued growth in trade between the two countries.

A key message from Putin was Russia’s willingness to take Egypt’s views into consideration when shaping its policies. 

“We take Egypt’s stance into account,” Putin said, underscoring the importance Moscow places on its relationship with Cairo.

The meeting comes as both countries continue to strengthen their cooperation despite wider international tensions. For Russia, Egypt remains an important partner in the Middle East and Africa, while Cairo has maintained working relations with Moscow alongside its ties with other major global powers.

A Strategic Partnership

Russia and Egypt have described their relationship as a comprehensive strategic partnership, with cooperation extending across several major sectors.

One of the most important projects is the construction of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. The project is being built by Russia’s state nuclear company Rosatom and is expected to become Egypt’s first nuclear power plant. 

Moscow has presented the project as one of the largest symbols of the long-term economic and technological partnership between the two countries.

Russia and Egypt are also working on establishing a Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal area. The project is intended to attract Russian companies and investment to Egypt while giving Russian manufacturers a base from which to reach markets in Africa and the Middle East. 

Putin has previously described the proposed industrial zone as one of the major joint projects between the two countries.

Food security is another important part of the relationship. Russia has become a major supplier of grain to Egypt, one of the world’s largest wheat-importing countries. 

In April 2026, Putin instructed his government to work with Egyptian officials on food supplies, particularly Russian grain, and said Russia had the capacity to maintain supplies. He referred to Egypt specifically as a Russian partner in this area.

The two leaders are also expected to continue their discussions through future high-level meetings, with Putin inviting El-Sisi to Moscow for the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit.