Egypt, Russia discuss boosting military ties

Egypt must work hard towards “stabilising” relations with Russia, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi stressed today.

Speaking during a meeting with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dmitryi Rogozin, and a number of Russian officials in Cairo to discuss bilateral relations.

The visit coincides with European efforts to enhance ties with Egypt.

According to a statement by Egypt’s presidential office, Al-Sisi pointed to “the strategic nature of the Egyptian-Russian relations” stressing the importance of “developing them across various levels.”

On the regional and international issues, the Egyptian president expressed hope of strengthening military and technical cooperation between both countries, especially in the field of military production.

Al-Sisi also called for bolstering the two countries’ economic and industrial relations, noting to an agreed plan of establishing a Russian industrial zone located in the area to the east of Port Said province.

Rogozin described Egypt as Russia’s main partner in the Middle East and Africa, according to the Russian News Agency (TASS).

A Russian delegation headed by Russia’s deputy Minister of Industry Gleb Nikitin and 35 company representatives arrived in Cairo today on a two-day visit to discuss details of establishing a Russian industrial zone in Egypt, which is set to focus on the production of trucks, agricultural tractors, chemicals and reinforced-concrete products, Russia’s Sputnik agency has reported.

“A very close and trustworthy political dialog exists between our heads – Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Al-Sisi,” TASS reported, quoting the Russian deputy prime minister.

Yesterday, Rogozin had a meeting with the Egyptian Defence Minister, Sedky Sobhi, during which they discussed means to “boost cooperation…and exchanged views on the regional and international developments and effects on security and stability in the Middle East,” according to a statement published on the army’s official Facebook page.