Egypt, Russia discuss defence and economic ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin has supported the Egyptian army chief’s bid for president even as the two countries agreed to rebuild defence and economic ties.

Putin wished Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi victory in Egypt’s presidential elections later this year.

“I know that you, Mr Defence Minister, have decided to run for President of Egypt,” Putin said receiving Field Marshall el-Sissi and Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy at his country residence near Moscow on Thursday.

“It’s a very responsible decision… I wish you success both from myself personally and from the Russian people, ” he added.

The Egyptian ministers arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a second 2+2 meeting with their Russian counterparts. The first meeting took place in November.