A Russian warship has docked in Egypt’s port of Alexandria in a move that officials said was aimed at bolstering Cairo’s relations with Moscow ahead of one of the highest level visits by Russian officials to the country in decades.
The missile cruiser Varyag was received Monday by a 21-gun salute and a band played military music. The commander of the Alexandria port was at hand to greet the warship. A military official speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations said the cruiser will be in Alexandria for six days.
The cruiser is expected to later join Russian forces in the Mediterranean. Russia’s defense and foreign ministers are expected in Egypt on Wednesday.