“The diverse and beneficial cooperation between our countries continues in progressive development. Egypt is truly our close friend and strategic partner,” Putin said.

He added that both nations interact on the basis of the principles of equality, mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests, in accordance with the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation.

Putin highlighted the growth of trade volume by 20 percent, as well as the implementation of joint projects in the fuel and energy industry, agriculture and food cooperation.

“We will try to do everything possible to ensure that Egypt, during the Russian presidency of the BRICS, is effectively integrated into the work of the association. Also, Cairo’s entry into the bloc opens new perspectives,” he emphasized.

El Dabaa is Egypt’s first nuclear power plant, built by Rosatom in the province of Matruh, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, about 300 kilometers northwest of Cairo.

Rosatom plans to build four blocks of the plant, which will be outfitted with VVER-1200 reactors, and will supply nuclear fuel, in addition to providing staff training and maintenance services.

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