Global Security Newswire

Egypt expects assistance from Russia in establishing an atomic energy sector, Reuters reported on Monday.

The nations sealed the deal while Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi was in Russia last week.

"We spoke on this issue and agreed that the Russians will help us in conducting studies at the Dabaa nuclear station and to develop the experimental reactor in Anshas," said Trade and Industry Minister Hatem Saleh. "There will be a Russian delegation to lay out the details of these issues as soon as possible," the official said.

The government of deposed President Hosni Mubarak had intended to establish Egypt's initial atomic energy plant at Dabaa.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak reportedly said last week that Cairo was looking for Moscow's assistance in building an atomic energy site and in collaborative work on Egypt's uranium resources.

While Egypt has been a leading proponent of establishing the Middle East as a WMD-free zone, there have been concerns that it might turn a potential nuclear sector toward weapons development.