President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi called Wednesday's installation of the reactor pressure vessel at Egypt's first nuclear power plant in Dabaa a "historic milestone" and a decisive step towards securing the country's energy future. Speaking via video conference, Sisi highlighted the decades-long dream of Egyptian nuclear energy becoming reality. "Since the mid-20th century, the dream of Egyptian nuclear energy has inspired generations, and today we see it becoming a reality through determination, work, and perseverance," he said. Sisi framed the project as both a national achievement and a testament to Egypt's longstanding partnership with Russia. "The relations between Egypt and Russia are strategic and enduring, spanning all fields and built on mutual respect and shared understanding, regardless of regional or international challenges," he said. "This project is a testament that our partnership with Russia is not limited to political statements but is realised through tangible projects that deliver direct benefits to our peoples." Sisi said. The event coincided with Egypt's Fifth Nuclear Energy Day, observed annually on 19 November. The government signed a nuclear fuel purchase order for the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and a new cooperation agreement with Russia's state-owned Rosatom. A documentary presented during the ceremony detailed the production, testing, and transport of the reactor pressure vessel, which Sherif Helmy, chairman of the Nuclear Power Plants Authority, confirmed was ready for installation. Presidents Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly authorised the procedure to begin. "The Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project represents a qualitative leap in knowledge localisation and a genuine investment in our national human capital," Sisi said. "It includes broad cooperation in training and technology transfer, preparing a new generation of Egyptian specialists in nuclear energy and heavy manufacturing, and positions Egypt as a leader in the peaceful use of nuclear energy." He also stressed the project's economic and strategic significance. "Amid global energy crises and rising fossil fuel prices, reviving the peaceful nuclear programme is a national choice that ensures sustainable, safe, and clean energy, supports the objectives of Egypt's Vision 2030, and strengthens Egypt's position as a regional energy hub," he said. Sisi concluded by thanking all experts, engineers, and workers from Egypt and Russia who contributed to the project. "I call on everyone to continue working with determination to complete the project according to the highest international standards, reinforcing Egypt's position among the leading countries in peaceful nuclear energy applications," he said. What Dabaa Means for Egypt and the Region Egypt's nuclear ambitions signal a strategic pivot in the country's energy landscape, reflecting broader regional and global energy pressures. As fossil fuel prices continue to rise and the world confronts an energy transition, the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant offers Cairo a path towards diversification and long-term energy security. The project also underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Egypt and Russia. Beyond nuclear technology, the collaboration opens opportunities in industrial development, high-tech manufacturing, and workforce training, giving Egypt a potential competitive edge in the MENA region. For Egypt, the successful deployment of nuclear energy could not only stabilise domestic electricity supply but also bolster its geopolitical influence as an energy hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. At the same time, the project's reliance on Russian technology highlights Cairo's balancing act between fostering international partnerships and maintaining strategic autonomy in a rapidly shifting global landscape. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
