Russia, Egypt Pledge Closer Military, Economic Ties

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R), Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (2-R), Defense Minister of Egypt Abdulfattah Al Sisi (2-L) and Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy (L) pose for the media prior to their talks in the Russian Foreign mini

Russia and Egypt have agreed to boost their military and economic cooperation during a high level meeting in Moscow.

The meeting between Egyptian President-hopeful Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu confirmed both sides' interest to strengthen military relations, ITAR-TASS reported.

"Military cooperation between Russia and Egypt should have a practical and firm legal base. This is conditioned by common challenges and threats for our countries and the fight against terrorism is the primary priority", Shoigu said after the meeting.

During the meeting, the parties discussed concrete measures of mutual interest, such as projects on exchanging delegations, holding joint exercises and training Egyptian servicemen in Russian military academies.

"Our bilateral relations are founded on a solid basis with historic roots. We feel a friendly atmosphere and expect to build our common future together in the interests of our countries and people and to develop relations in all spheres from politics, to culture and military cooperation", stated Egypt's Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmi, who was also present at the meeting in Moscow.

It was agreed that the Russian-Egyptian intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation will meet in March to discuss further developments in this bilateral agreement.

It is believed that Sisi's visit to Moscow aims to seal a USD 2 B arms deal with Russia, after the United States suspended part of its military assistance to Egypt, following the ousting of President Mohamed Morsi last year.

On his part, the Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his support for Sisi's Presidential candidacy.

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