Weighty economy: Russia to supply record volume of wheat to Egypt

Russia is ready to increase wheat supplies to Egypt, Russian Ambassador to the Arab Republic Georgy Borisenko told Izvestia. Last year, Russia exported over 10 million tons of wheat to this African country, which was a record high. Grain supplies are one of the most important components of bilateral trade. On September 16, negotiations between the Russian delegation and the Egyptian leadership ended in Cairo. Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said that Moscow is proposing to restart negotiations on a free trade agreement between Egypt and the EAEU. The prospects for a military-political dialogue between the two countries, as well as key areas of economic cooperation, are described in the Izvestia article.

Trade and economic relations between Russia and Egypt

Russia and Egypt are actively developing trade and economic cooperation. Last year, the trade turnover between our countries increased by 30% and amounted to a record $9 billion. And by the end of 2025, mutual trade has every chance of surpassing this indicator. Wheat remains the most important export item of the Russian Federation to Egypt. Moscow is ready to further increase its supplies.

— In 2024, Russia actually supplied almost 11 million tons of wheat, thereby covering almost 85% of Egypt's import needs for this grain. We proceed from the fact that Russia is ready to supply such volumes, and even more, in order to provide our Egyptian friends with the necessary grain," Russian Ambassador to the country Georgy Borisenko told Izvestia.

According to the Rusagrotrans analytical center, Egypt became the largest buyer of Russian wheat in the last agricultural year (July 2024 – June 2025). 8.61 million tons were shipped to the republic. This was followed by Turkey (3.55 million tons) and Bangladesh (2.82 million tons).

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Egypt, in turn, traditionally exports vegetables and fruits to Russia. In particular, Egyptian potatoes are very popular in Russia, and you can often find Egyptian mangoes on the shelves.

— Companies from Egypt export onions, garlic, grapes, strawberries, and other agricultural products. Textiles are also one of the important export items," the Russian ambassador noted.

It's no secret that Egypt is famous for its delicious and fairly affordable fruits and vegetables. Curiously, in the country itself, this does not apply to all products. For example, an average-sized pineapple in some supermarkets sells for 800 Egyptian pounds (about 1.3 thousand rubles). Moreover, it was brought practically from neighboring Kenya. But it's good for fans of the original Pepsi and Coca-Cola: you can buy a jar even for 10 pounds (about 20 rubles).

The issue of developing bilateral trade, including grain supplies, became one of the topics of negotiations between Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk and the Egyptian leadership. The meeting took place on September 16 in Cairo. Speaking at the Russian-Egyptian business forum held on the same day, he said that the Russian Federation was proposing to restart negotiations on a free trade agreement between Egypt and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). On September 15, the Russian delegation visited the site designated for the construction of a Russian industrial zone near the city of Ain Sokhna. It is known that about 35 companies from Russia are interested in locating their production facilities in the Suez Canal economic zone.

Energy issues play an important role in economic cooperation between Russia and Egypt. The most important project here is the construction of the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant. According to the Russian ambassador, the construction of the station is proceeding strictly according to plan, and sometimes even "there are anticipations." The construction of the first NPP unit is planned to be completed by 2028.

— All four reactor units are under construction. All necessary equipment is manufactured in Russia. Some of this equipment is already arriving in Egypt," the Russian diplomat said.

Tourism remains another area of Russian-Egyptian dialogue. Last year, 1.5 million Russians visited Egypt. Moscow assumes that this year the numbers will be the same and possibly even higher.

Development of military-political cooperation

Russia considers Egypt to be one of its key partners in Africa. "Our cooperation is multifaceted and based on the provisions of the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation agreement," Russian President Vladimir Putin said at talks with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el—Sisi in May. At that time, the Egyptian leader was one of the honored guests at the Victory Day Parade.

By the way, Russia expects al-Sisi to take part in the first Russian-Arab summit this fall. Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that almost all the leaders of the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf had confirmed their intention to participate in the meeting.

— Of course, we expect the participation of the esteemed President of Egypt, Mr. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, in the summit to be held in Moscow on October 15. Just like the leaders of other Arab states, he has been invited and will be our guest of honor," said the Russian Ambassador to Egypt.

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It is worth noting that Russia and Egypt are developing arms trade. Russia accounts for about 30% of Cairo's arms imports. In particular, Egypt buys anti-aircraft missile systems and fighter jets from Russia. Over the years, according to SIPRI, Russia has even become a leader in terms of arms supplies.

— They are closely monitoring their military and will take into account the successful testing of military equipment when developing cooperation through military-technical cooperation. Egypt would be interested in our S-400 air defense systems, especially after the situation with Qatar and Iran's attacks on Israel. Russia will remain an important partner for diversifying its not always reliable cooperation with the EU and the United States," Kamran Hasanov, a political scientist and RIAC expert, told Izvestia.

The Arab republic's accession to the BRICS in 2024 became a factor in the development of the Russian-Egyptian dialogue. Moscow is interested in increasing the share of national currencies with its unification partners, as well as deepening political cooperation. Egypt's membership in BRICS opens up new opportunities for the country's economic stabilization, as well as strengthens the state's position on the global stage, says Egyptian Professor of Economics and Energy Wafa Ali.

"Economic cooperation between Egypt and Russia is an important component of the new world order and creates the basis for economic growth and cooperation within the framework of BRICS," the expert told Izvestia. — The discussion of possible military cooperation with Russia should be viewed through the prism of real possibilities and political rationality. Russia has demonstrated effectiveness in arms issues, and Egypt is interested in diversifying arms supplies.

She stressed that economic and military cooperation between the two countries opens up new horizons for investment, technological development and strengthening economic ties in the region.