Andrei Kolesnikov about how Vladimir Putin took part via video link in the ceremony of pouring concrete into the foundation of the fourth power unit of the Egyptian El-Dabaa nuclear power plant

On January 23, in Egypt, on the Mediterranean coast, a ceremony was held to pour concrete into the foundation of the fourth power unit of the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant. Kommersant’s special correspondent could not pass by this event. Andrey Kolesnikov.

Thanks to the efforts of the organizers, the pouring of concrete into the foundation of the fourth unit of the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant in Egypt turned out to be a fundamental event in the life of the Egyptian and Russian people. Until now, only Russian-Turkish projects of this kind have been opened on such a scale (on the other side of the Mediterranean Sea, Rosatom is known to be building four units of Turkish nuclear power plants). Without a doubt, the Turkish model was applied in Egypt. That is, it was just a copy of such ceremonies.

A hall in Egypt, filled with officials from two countries, in festive decorations. Presidents on video conference (Vladimir Putin, however, more often came to Recep Tayyip Erdogan in person, especially when the next election was felt to be approaching for one of the two partners, but it was also via video conferencing.). Big red buttons, there is no production need to press, but from a representative point of view they are indispensable. Usually several hands are laid on them at once – but if it is not the height of a pandemic.

In fact, the power units under construction are truly an event for Egypt, comparable, probably, only to the construction of the Aswan Dam in Soviet times (with the help, as we know, of the Soviet Union).

Why Rosatom is still engaged in such projects outside of Russia, under the conditions of sanctions, which it is trying in vain to postpone, is a mystery and rather a miracle.

— Only at the end of 2022 (that is, already at the height of sanctions.— A.K.) work has begun on the vertical planning of the territory of block number 1 of the first nuclear power plant in Egypt, and today we are starting full-scale construction work already on block number 4,” said the head of Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev, coming to the microphone. “On the first and second So-called melt traps have been installed in the blocks, concreting of the foundation and slab of the turbine building has begun at block number 1, and preparations for concreting the internal containment shell of the reactor at block number 2 are underway. At block number 3, reinforcement of the foundation and slab of the reactor building is underway, and at block number 4, work on concrete preparation and laying lightning protection has been completed. Last August, a license for the construction of the fourth block was received, all preparatory work has been carried out, and we are ready to pour the first concrete… More than 90 Egyptian companies have become our partners… Shukran (thank you.— “Kommersant”)!

That is, all this even aspires to some kind of feat, or something.

Egypt’s Minister of Electricity Mohammed Shaker supported his colleague:

– In the name of the merciful God! Both parties are working day and night to achieve the project’s major milestones and stay on schedule! – said an intelligent translator. – And despite all the surrounding international circumstances! Mercy of Allah!

Vladimir Putin made it clear that Egypt made its historical choice in favor of Russia, as before – in favor of the Soviet Union. That is, Egypt did not regret it then (all billions of debts were forgiven), and it will not regret it now.

Particularly attractive, as it became clear from his speech, is the idea of ​​Egypt joining BRICS. This matter, apparently, is resolved (however, it seemed so in the case of Argentina):

“I would like to emphasize that from the very beginning Russia sincerely supported the desire of the Egyptian side to become a full member of this association,” said Mr. Putin. “During the Russian chairmanship of BRICS this year, we will try to do everything possible to ensure that Egypt effectively integrates into the work of the association.” We have planned to hold more than 200 BRICS events, and we expect that Egyptian representatives will take an active part in them. And of course, we are waiting for you, dear Mr. Sisi, at the unification summit in Kazan this October!

Yes, by this time everything will have been decided long ago.

“First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and joy to the noble participation of my dear friend, His Excellency President Vladimir Putin, for this event to begin pouring the first concrete at the fourth power unit of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, which allows the State of Egypt to begin the main phase of construction all power units,” began Egyptian President Abdul-Fattah Khalil Al-Sisi, who, it seemed, was simply glowing with feelings overwhelming him all this time (or the lamps were displayed that way). “It gives me joy and pride to share this historical moment with you.” , which will remain eternal in the history and memory of this people!

Pouring, let me remind you, concrete into the base of the fourth power unit.

“And he will become a witness to the will of this great people, who, with their determination and their efforts, made history over many centuries. And today he is writing a new history, realizing the dream of all Egyptians – to have nuclear power plants for peaceful purposes, emphasizing his determination to move forward along the path of development, construction and shaping a bright future for Egypt!

It seems that the election campaign is about to begin not with Vladimir Putin, but with the President of Egypt himself.

— This is a great event (pouring concrete, it’s not a sin to remind.— A.K.) which we are witnessing today represents a new shining page in the path of close cooperation between Egypt and the Russian Federation and is a new achievement added to the history of achievements of joint Egyptian-Russian cooperation throughout history. It also reflects the scale of efforts made by both sides to move forward to implement Egypt’s national project for the construction of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, which is being carried out at a faster pace than the agreed schedule, overcoming all time constraints, all difficulties, which reflects the great importance which places the Egyptian State in the energy sector, believing in its vital role as the main engine of economic growth and one of the pillars of economic and social development in accordance with the Egypt Vision 2030.

No, no one else, not even Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has glorified the seemingly ordinary pouring of concrete so much.

“Before completion, I would like to turn to my brother, President Putin,” warned Mr. Al-Sisi. “Thanks to your personal support from December 2017 to today, I think we are making great progress in implementing this project!”

For the second time that morning he called the Russian president brother.

And that one, by the way, has never happened yet.

However, a couple of times Vladimir Putin managed to put his hand to his heart, following the example of his Egyptian colleague, turning his gaze towards him.

Two red buttons were also in demand here, which were pressed by the leaders of both delegations (five hands, I counted, on each button).

— Congratulations on realizing your dream! – the Egyptian presenter (judging by her appearance, a TV presenter) simply said.

That is, it seems like nothing else needs to be done.