Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt and Russia celebrate major milestone in the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant Project
In a significant step for Egypt’s energy future, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin came together via video conference today to mark the installation of the reactor pressure vessel at the first nuclear unit of the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant. The landmark event coincided with Egypt’s Fifth National Nuclear Energy Day, celebrated annually on November 19th.
President Putin congratulated the Egyptian people on this achievement, highlighting the strong partnership between Egypt and Russia in constructing the nuclear plant. He described the current pace of collaboration as “a notable success,” emphasizing that the El-Dabaa project will help power Egypt’s growing economy. President Putin noted that President El-Sisi’s personal engagement and direct support have been crucial to the project’s swift progress, and he also extended birthday greetings to President El-Sisi.
The Russian leader reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to Egypt’s development goals and praised the long-standing partnership between the two nations. This relationship, he recalled, stretches back decades to projects like the construction of the Aswan High Dam, and now continues through expanding trade, joint industrial cooperation, and Russian investment in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
President Putin also stressed that electricity produced by the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant will play a vital role in enhancing Egypt’s energy security. He assured that the Russian contractor is using cutting-edge technology and adhering to the highest environmental standards. Additionally, Russian experts are training Egyptian professionals, supporting knowledge transfer in nuclear technology and its peaceful applications in energy, medicine, and agriculture.
President El-Sisi, in his remarks, expressed deep appreciation to President Putin for participating in this "historic event," marking both the installation of the reactor pressure vessel and the signing of agreements for nuclear fuel supply—a pivotal step in El-Dabaa’s completion.
He lauded the enduring and productive cooperation between Egypt and Russia, from the building of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s to the ambitious El-Dabaa Nuclear Power project today. President El-Sisi described the plant as a "strategic asset for Egypt," demonstrating the nation’s commitment to a more advanced and sustainable future, despite global challenges in the energy sector and rising fossil fuel costs.
Reinforcing Egypt’s vision for energy security and regional leadership, President El-Sisi highlighted that the nuclear program supports Egypt’s 2030 development strategy and will cement Egypt’s standing as a regional energy hub. He noted that the project is a leap forward in building local expertise—offering training, transferring technology, and preparing a new generation of Egyptian talent in nuclear sciences and heavy industry.
The El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is expected to provide thousands of direct and indirect jobs, foster broad-based development, and contribute to Egypt’s goals of energy diversification and sustainability.
This moment stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and shared aspirations of Egypt and Russia—a partnership lighting the path to a brighter and more sustainable future.