Russia eyes stronger ties with Egypt, plans consulate in Sharm el-Sheikh

Russia plans to open a new consulate in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, indicating stronger bilateral ties.
This move complements already existing Russian consulates in Alexandria and Hurghada.
The development underscores Russia's strategic interest in increasing influence in Egypt and the MENA region.

Russia is set to open a new consulate in the Egyptian Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, following a decision by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on May 27.

The move is part of ongoing efforts to deepen ties with Egypt and expand Moscow’s regional influence, The New Arab reported.

The consulate will complement Russia’s existing diplomatic missions in Alexandria and Hurghada, key hubs for Russian tourists, and strengthen its overall presence there.

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Growing ties with Egypt

Analysts in Cairo say the new consulate underscores Russia’s strategic interest in Egypt, which it considers a key gateway for extending its reach across the Middle East and North Africa.

"Relations between Egypt and Russia are excellent at present," ambassador Moataz Ahmadin, Egypt's former envoy at the United Nations.

"The Russians are surely keen on increasing their regional influence at the expense of US presence, which is becoming smaller already," he added.

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In addition to deepening defence ties, Russia has injected substantial investments into Egypt’s economy, most notably through plans to establish a Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal area. This initiative aims to boost manufacturing and enhance bilateral trade.

Russia is also building Egypt’s first nuclear power plant on the Mediterranean coast in the country’s west. The project is expected to help Egypt diversify its energy mix and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.