Putin, El-Sisi Stress Need for Comprehensive Settlement of Palestinian Cause

NEW DELHI, SEPT 12: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Saturday stressed the need for a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian cause based on a two-state solution and relevant international resolutions.

The two leaders held talks on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where they discussed efforts to end the war in Gaza, the Iran crisis and the situation in Sudan.

According to a statement issued by the Egyptian presidency, El-Sisi briefed Putin on Egypt's efforts to advance the implementation of the second phase of an agreement aimed at halting the war in the Gaza Strip. He stressed the need for sustained humanitarian aid to Gaza to alleviate the suffering of its population.

The two presidents also discussed the Iranian crisis and underlined the importance of de-escalation and a return to negotiations to reach a comprehensive and lasting agreement through peaceful means.

On Sudan, Putin and El-Sisi reaffirmed the need to preserve the country's sovereignty, unity and national institutions. El-Sisi said any threat to Sudan's security, unity or sovereignty constituted a "red line" that Egypt would not allow to be crossed.

The talks also covered bilateral relations between Egypt and Russia. Both leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors.

El-Sisi highlighted major projects being implemented under the two countries' partnership, including the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and the Russian Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. The two sides also discussed cooperation in energy, trade, investment, food security and tourism.

El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to overcoming obstacles that could delay the implementation of joint projects, while Putin reiterated Moscow's support for deeper cooperation with Cairo and the completion of major projects according to agreed timelines and specifications.

El-Sisi also welcomed Russia's decision to accredit Alexandria and El-Alamein international airports, saying the move would help expand Russian tourism to new destinations in Egypt.

El-Sisi arrived in New Delhi on Friday to lead Egypt's delegation to the 18th BRICS Summit, being hosted by India on September 12-13 under the theme "Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."

Egypt joined BRICS in January 2024 and is participating in the grouping's summit for the third consecutive year.