Cairo: Egypt and Russia have signed a supplementary protocol to their existing intergovernmental agreement on nuclear cooperation. This move aims to fast-track the construction and operation of nuclear power plants in Egypt, with a focus on the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the protocol was signed by Egypt's Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Esmat, and Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom. The signing highlights the commitment of both countries to enhance their energy cooperation.

In addition to the protocol, the officials witnessed the signing of a supplementary annex to the existing contract for the Dabaa plant. This was between Egypt's Nuclear Power Plants Authority and Atomstroyexport, a Russian state-owned company involved in the plant's construction.

The newly signed documents are expected to speed up the timeline for the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant. This project is central to Egypt's strategy to diversify its energy sources and transition to sustainable, clean power. The plan aligns with Egypt's energy goals, which aim to source 42 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 65 percent by 2040.

The agreement represents a significant advancement in Egypt's pursuit of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, supporting its national development and global climate objectives.