During a gala celebration marking the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Russia and Egypt, Russian Ambassador to Cairo Georgy Borisenko hailed the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) project as a significant milestone in the evolution of bilateral relations.
"The El Dabaa NPP represents a leap forward in Russian-Egyptian relations, comparable to the impact of the Aswan Dam," Ambassador Borisenko declared. He described the NPP as "a potent emblem of the deepening friendship between our nations."
The ambassador also highlighted Russia's collaboration with Egypt on establishing an industrial zone adjacent to the Suez Canal and expressed optimism about the strategic partnership's growth, particularly given Egypt's recent accession to the BRICS grouping on January 1, 2024. He attributed the renewed momentum in cooperation to the close rapport between the leaders of both countries.
El Dabaa marks the commencement of Rosatom's first substantial project in Africa, located in Matrouh province, just 300 kilometers northwest of Cairo. This endeavor is set to culminate in four VVER-1200 reactor units, with Rosatom providing nuclear fuel, training, maintenance, and repair services for a period of 60 years post-commissioning. Additionally, the agreement includes the construction of a dry containerized storage facility for spent nuclear fuel by 2028. Egypt anticipates that the NPP will be fully operational by 2030.
On January 23, the groundbreaking ceremony for the fourth power unit began, with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt and President Vladimir Putin of Russia participating remotely via videoconference.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS