Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday evening in Moscow regarding efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, developments in the Horn of Africa, and the Nile waters file. This occurred during a meeting between the two sides at the Kremlin in Moscow, on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit, which began on Wednesday and concludes on Thursday, according to a statement from the Egyptian Presidency.
Sisi and Putin exchanged views on "efforts and initiatives to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East region." According to the statement, "it was emphasized the necessity to continue efforts aimed at reducing current tensions and restoring security and stability in the region." On February 28, the United States and Israel began a war against Iran, while Tehran responded with attacks on Israel and what it described as American military installations in Arab countries.
The two sides also discussed "developments in the Horn of Africa region," according to the Egyptian statement. Sisi emphasized during the meeting the "necessity to maintain peace and stability in this region, including by respecting the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of states." He pointed out that "the water issue represents an existential matter for Egypt."
The Egyptian President stressed his country's "complete rejection of unilateral measures in the Eastern Nile Basin." Since the beginning of October, relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have entered a phase of severe tension, with the severing of diplomatic ties and mutual accusations of interference in each other's internal affairs, amid fears of a new war between them.
Egypt demands a legal agreement regarding the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile, fearing damage to its share of 55.5 billion cubic meters, against Ethiopian rejection and strained relations since negotiations were frozen in 2024. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is present in Moscow to participate in the Russia-Africa Summit, and the Nile and Horn of Africa crises may be among the topics of a potential bilateral meeting with Putin, according to observers.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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