Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the escalating conflict in the Middle East and its wider repercussions during a phone call on Tuesday, according to a statement released by the Egyptian presidency.
During the conversation, Al-Sisi emphasized Russia’s potential role in achieving a cessation of hostilities, citing Moscow’s significant influence on the international stage. He warned of the dangers of further escalation and the potential for increased regional instability, a concern echoed by numerous international actors in recent weeks. Al-Sisi detailed Egypt’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions and bolstering security in the region, undertaken in collaboration with Arab states.
The two leaders likewise addressed the economic fallout stemming from the conflict. Both presidents acknowledged the urgency of stabilizing the situation and mitigating the economic damage, particularly concerning energy markets and global supply chains. Egypt, heavily reliant on both Russian and Ukrainian wheat imports, has been particularly vulnerable to disruptions caused by the war.
A central focus of the discussion was the situation in Gaza, where Al-Sisi called for an immediate ceasefire to allow for the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid. He stressed the necessity of initiating reconstruction efforts in the Palestinian territories and reiterated Egypt’s long-standing support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem serving as the capital of a future Palestinian state. This position aligns with decades of Egyptian foreign policy and numerous United Nations resolutions.
Putin, according to the Egyptian statement, praised Egypt’s efforts to promote regional stability and affirmed Russia’s commitment to continued coordination with Cairo in pursuit of a comprehensive settlement. Russia has maintained close ties with various regional actors, including both Israel and the Palestinian Authority, positioning itself as a potential mediator.
The conversation extended to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, with Al-Sisi reaffirming Egypt’s support for a political resolution and offering Cairo’s assistance in potential mediation efforts. Egypt has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict, abstaining from United Nations votes condemning Russia’s actions. This position reflects Egypt’s strategic relationship with Russia, particularly in the realm of military procurement.
Beyond regional security, the two presidents reviewed opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key sectors. Discussions included expanding collaboration in energy, tourism, and investment. They also reviewed the progress of strategic projects, including the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, being built by Russian state-owned corporation Rosatom, and the development of the Russian Industrial Zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone. The El Dabaa plant, first proposed in 2015, is expected to be Egypt’s first nuclear power facility.
No immediate follow-up meetings or specific diplomatic initiatives were announced following the call. The Egyptian presidency stated that further consultations between the two sides would continue as the situation evolves.
