Meeting with the Russian Ambassador to Cairo

On November 23, 2020, the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs (ECFA) received the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Cairo, Ambassador Georgiy Y. BORISENKO, with the participation of both ECFA Chairman and Director; the meeting was also attended by a group of ECFA members including ambassadors, experts and academics, with the aim of exchanging views on developments in Egypt-Russia relations, as well as regional and international developments.

As for bilateral relations, the guest affirmed Russia’s keenness to continue the state of prosperity at the level of bilateral ties between the two sides, especially since Russia considers Egypt a strategic partner and a pillar of the Arab region, and also a foundation for enhancing Egypt’s relations with the African continent and a starting point for free trade. In addition, bolstering Russia’s relations with the Arab region and Africa stems from its relations with Egypt. He also stressed the importance of working to overcome obstacles related to Russian projects in Egypt.

Regarding regional files, in particular the Syrian and Libyan files, he asserted Russia’s awareness of the seriousness and complexity of the situation in Libya under the people’s division, multiple governments, and the state fragmentation, adding that Russia has attempted to limit Turkish interventions and held meetings between foreign ministers and security and intelligence officials of both sides to try to explain the situation on the ground and emphasize the grave repercussions of any practice that would threaten the Egyptian national security. Moreover, the Russian Ambassador expressed his country’s support for the Egyptian moves towards unifying the Libyan tribes to ensure that there is consensus on any political transition in the country in a manner that enables the Libyan state to complete the electoral process, whether for the Presideny Council or the Libyan Parliament.

Concerning the situation in Syria, the ambassador pointed out that his country is constantly striving to achieve balance in its relations with Turkey by reaching common understandings that realize both sides’ interest, and even despite the existence of differences, Russia does not adopt the policy of alienation vis-à-vis the Turkish state, but rather seeks to contain it continuously through the establishment of cooperation relations with it.

With regard to the new U.S. Administration, the ambassador expected the continuation of the policy of imposing sanctions on Russia, noting that although it negatively affects investments and prices inside the country, it represents an impetus to expand investments and open new markets for Russian projects, which is evident with the development of the electronics industries and the boom in the agricultural sector and its productivity.