Actively developing Egyptian-Russian relations can be an example for African countries in building partnerships with Russia, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
The first Russia-Africa summit and economic forum will be held in Sochi on October 23-24. The leaders of all the states of the continent are invited to it, almost 50 of them have already confirmed their participation. The summit will be chaired by the Presidents of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who also temporarily heads the African Union in 2019.
The summit and forum organizers are preparing to meet 60 delegations, including politicians, business representatives, delegates from various regional and international organizations.
“Of course, you can rely on the historical ties between Russia and Egypt, successful experience in developing relations, especially recently, when trade has grown significantly, and a Russian industrial zone is being created in the Suez Canal area, other projects are being implemented… Such relations can certainly become a role model”, – said Shukri.
The Minister added that Egypt “could become an access to the continental market for Russia, especially given the existing infrastructure in Egypt and relations with African partners”.
“It can be useful for Russia. We work for the good of the continent, we strive not only to use the Russian experience, but also to open up the opportunities existing in Africa. This can be useful to the Russian economy, and at the same time, we will create ties that are beneficial for both sides”, – said the Head of the Egyptian Foreign Affairs agency.
Russian-Egyptian relations in recent years have acquired strategic status. Economic partnership is actively developing, countries cooperate on security issues, have similar positions on many international political issues, and participate in the settlement of regional conflicts. Russian participation in Egypt’s largest projects – the construction of the first nuclear power plant and the creation of a free industrial zone in the Suez Canal area – made Russia one of Egypt’s most important partners.
Recently, Russian-African trade and economic relations have been actively developing, and a political dialogue is underway on major international and regional problems. Russia provides assistance to the African continent in development projects, supports international projects to combat diseases, natural disasters, military conflicts in Africa, and helps train African personnel in various fields. Military-technical cooperation is also actively developing.