Monday, 25 May 2026
Russia-Africa Partnership Forum ministerial conference opens in Cairo
The Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum officially opened on Saturday in Cairo, with proceedings co-chaired by Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António, who currently holds the presidency of the African Union.
The event saw broad participation, with ministerial-level representatives from more than 50 African countries, alongside delegates from various regional and continental organizations.
During the opening session, Dr. Abdelatty delivered a speech on behalf of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, while Lavrov spoke on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin. António also addressed the gathering.
In his remarks on behalf of President El-Sisi, Abdelatty expressed Egypt's deep pride in the Russia-Africa partnership, which was launched during Egypt's 2019 presidency of the African Union with the inaugural summit in Sochi. He described the current ministerial meeting as a culmination of ongoing developments in Africa-Russia relations, building on the momentum from the previous summits in Sochi (2019) and St. Petersburg (2023).
Abdelatty emphasized that the conference represents a practical step toward implementing the 2023-2026 Action Plan of the Partnership Forum. It also provides an opportunity to launch constructive dialogue on drafting the next action plan for 2026-2029, which will be adopted at the third Russia-Africa Summit, aimed at serving shared interests and promoting security, development, and stability across the African continent.
The Egyptian minister stressed the need for reforming the international system based on justice and balance, ensuring that global institutions reflect true multipolarity rather than past imbalances. He underscored that Africa's significant demographic, economic, political, and human weight must be prominently featured in major international decisions, particularly in international financial structures and UN Security Council reform, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
Abdelatty highlighted the importance of regular political dialogue between African nations and international partners as a cornerstone for mutual understanding, building trust, and coordinating positions on regional and global issues. He noted that Egypt views Russia-Africa cooperation as a key mechanism to support the African Union's Agenda 2063 goals, especially through full activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area to enhance regional integration and inclusive growth.
Highlighting Egypt's leadership in post-conflict reconstruction and development— including hosting the African Union Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development, chairing the steering committee for the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), and hosting the African Space Agency and a NEPAD Center of Excellence on climate resilience—Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to mobilizing funding for continental projects that advance regional integration and achieve sustainable peace and security.
On security concerns, the minister expressed grave concern over escalating international tensions, armed conflicts, and terrorism threats in parts of Africa, which devastate stability and economic growth. He stressed the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and rejection of external interventions that exacerbate crises.
Abdelatty also addressed transboundary water issues, noting Egypt's heavy reliance on the Nile River as its sole lifeline. He called for enhanced cooperation in managing shared rivers in accordance with international law, including principles of prior notification and no harm to downstream states, emphasizing that such resources should foster cooperation rather than tension.
Regionally, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's influential role in achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, reaffirming unwavering support for the two-state solution based on international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative. This includes establishing an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital. He urged immediate reconstruction efforts, humanitarian aid for Palestinians, and rejection of unilateral solutions, demographic or geographic changes, or forced displacement.
The conference, marking the first such ministerial event held on African soil, is seen as a key milestone in preparing for the third Russia-Africa Summit in 2026, with discussions focused on deepening trade, investment, security, and strategic partnerships.