Egypt seeks middle ground between US, Russia as Ukraine fighting rages
Cairo remains torn in its position on the Ukraine crisis for compelling financial and other reasons.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation on Mar. 9, a few days after Egypt voted in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The contact between the two presidents is the first since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. Egypt has sought to remain neutral and find a balanced stance toward the crisis.
During the call, Sisi stressed the need to prioritize dialogue to settle the Ukrainian crisis, affirming Egypt's support for diplomacy that could avoid further aggravation of the crisis and preserve international security and stability.
The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen strategic cooperation frameworks through joint development projects, according to a statement issued by Sisi's office.
