Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi stated that the installation of the reactor pressure vessel at the first unit of the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant marks a new and bright chapter in Egypt's nuclear programme, highlighting the depth of Cairo's strategic partnership with Moscow. Speaking via video link at a ceremony attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Al-Sisi described the milestone as practical proof of tangible cooperation beyond political statements.
In a speech delivered via video link on Wednesday, Al-Sisi emphasized that the milestone fulfills Egypt's decades-long ambition to launch a peaceful nuclear energy programme. He added that the Dabaa plant will bolster Egypt's energy security amid global energy instability and high fossil-fuel prices, describing the revival of the national nuclear programme as a strategic choice to secure safe, clean, and sustainable energy in support of Egypt's Vision 2030.
The project will develop local nuclear expertise, train Egyptian personnel, create thousands of jobs, and position Egypt among leading countries in the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Al-Sisi thanked Russia and the joint workforce, calling for continued adherence to international standards.
The ceremony included a documentary on the nuclear project and remarks from Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, Egyptian Electricity Minister Mahmoud Essmat, and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Putin congratulated Egypt on the installation, praising the construction pace and Al-Sisi's personal oversight, stating that the plant will support Egypt's growing economy and highlighting the long-standing partnership, including Soviet involvement in building the Aswan High Dam.
Putin noted Rosatom's use of state-of-the-art technology adhering to environmental standards, Russia's training programmes for Egyptian nuclear specialists, and nuclear science applications in medicine and agriculture. He also extended birthday wishes to Al-Sisi.
Nuclear Power Plants Authority chief Sherif Helmy officially declared the reactor vessel ready for installation and requested the two presidents to give the signal to begin, after which the operation commenced at the Dabaa site. Earlier that day, Egypt signed an order to purchase nuclear fuel for the first reactor core of Unit 1, a Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactor, and finalized a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Rosatom expanding collaboration in the nuclear sector, medical applications such as radioisotope production for cancer treatment, 3D printing technologies for nuclear industries, and communications.
Officials described the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant as a strategic pillar of Egypt's energy-transition plans and sustainable development agenda, expected to support industrial development and enhance the technical capabilities of Egyptian personnel in peaceful nuclear technology.