Doha: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin participated via video conference in a significant ceremony marking the installation of a Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) for the first nuclear unit at Egypt's El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Egyptian Presidency released a statement highlighting that, alongside this event, a nuclear fuel procurement order was signed, marking a crucial step forward in the ongoing development of this ambitious project.
During the ceremony, President El Sisi emphasized that the event represents the continuation of productive collaboration between Egypt and Russia on large-scale projects, which significantly impact the nation's development. He noted that the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project holds substantial strategic importance for Egypt, signifying a major leap in knowledge localization and an investment in national expertise.
President El Sisi also mentioned the project's focus on training and technology transfer, which will help cultivate a new generation of Egyptian specialists in nuclear energy and heavy industries. He highlighted that the initiative not only elevates Egypt's status in the peaceful use of nuclear energy but also creates numerous direct and indirect job opportunities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked on the successful cooperation between Egypt and Russia in the power plant's construction, emphasizing the project's potential to supply the electricity necessary for Egypt's burgeoning economy and enhance the country's energy security.
Putin stressed that the Russian company executing the project employs cutting-edge technologies while strictly adhering to environmental standards. He further elaborated on the Russian support in offering training and qualification programs for Egyptian personnel in the nuclear sector, with prospects for applying nuclear science and technology in fields such as medicine and agriculture.