By Manal Abdel Fattah
Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in the ceremony to start pouring the first concrete at the base of Power Unit No. 4 of the Egyptian Dabaa nuclear station, where he said that the construction of the fourth reactor of the Dabaa station will strengthen the energy sector in Egypt and create qualified job opportunities.
President Putin added, during his participation in the video conference, saying: A new phase has begun since the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Egypt, which is the most important project for Russian-Egyptian relations, and whose implementation undoubtedly contributes greatly to the development of the Egyptian economy and strengthening its energy foundation.
The Russian President stressed that Russia will contribute to creating modern industries, qualified jobs, and resolving social issues, explaining: We will do this together because the new energy system allows us to do all of this. This is a truly pioneering project in the best traditions of our bilateral cooperation.
The Russian President noted that in the second half of the last century, Soviet specialists played an active role in building the economy and increasing Egypt’s defense capacity, which helped construct large industrial and energy facilities, such as the High Dam in Aswan.
President Putin said that many companies built through joint efforts are still operating successfully and continue to provide real benefits to the Egyptian people.
President Putin drew attention to the diverse and mutually beneficial cooperation that continues to develop positively, continuing: Egypt is indeed our close friend and strategic partner, and we cooperate on the foundations of equality, mutual respect, and taking into account each other’s interests, in full accordance with the letter and spirit of the Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation Agreement that we signed with the President. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in 2018 in Sochi.
President Putin said that bilateral trade is growing steadily, with its volume increasing by 20% during the ten months of last year. In addition, major joint projects are being implemented, including in the fuel, energy, agriculture and food cooperation sectors, and work is underway to establish a Russian industrial zone in Suez Canal Economic Zone.
