Sisi seeks to strengthen cooperation with Russia, Putin

Egyptian president visits Russia for celebration of victory over Nazi Germany, expresses desire to strengthen ties between nations.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo (photo credit: REUTERS)
Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi suggested that Egypt and Russia strengthen their ties and expand their cooperation on Saturday during a visit to Moscow, the Egyptian Ahram reported.
Sisi arrived in Russia Friday to partake in celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
He was joined by leaders from China, Cuba, and Venezuela.
Leaders of most Western countries opted to skip the event due to conflicting views with Putin over the conflict in the Ukraine.
During a meeting with Putin, Sisi expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation between the nations.
Putin expressed appreciation for Sisi's efforts to "solve Egypt's crisis," and said his country would continue to back Egypt.
Sisi's visit was the latest in a series of moves hinting at the strengthening of ties between Russia and Egypt.
Russia was the first foreign nation Sisi visited following his reelection last year.
Since then, the two nations announced plans to develop cooperation in nuclear power engineering, and step up their efforts in combating terrorism.
They also agreed on the establishment of a free trade zone between the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union and the Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal area.