Sisi discuses military cooperation with Russian Defense Minister

CAIRO – 29 November 2017: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi met with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday in Cairo to discuss enhanced military cooperation between the two countries.

A number of senior Russian military officials, along with Egypt's Minister of Defense Sedki Sobhi and the Russian Ambassador to Cairo attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Sisi hailed the close relationship between the two countries and expressed his desire to strengthen those relations at all levels, particularly the military level.

Shoigu conveyed Russian President Vladimir Putin condolences over the Rawdah Mosque terrorist attack which targeted Muslims during Friday prayers and left more than 311 dead.

Shoigu praised Egyptian-Russian relations during the current stage of fruitful cooperation, stressing Russia's concern in enhancing cooperation and consultation with Egypt.

Sisi stressed the importance of strengthening international efforts to reach political solutions to the Middle East crisis in order to preserve the unity of countries and their territorial integrity.

The two parties discussed ways to counter the dangers of the spread of terrorism and extremism, pointing out the importance of strengthening international efforts to combat terrorism.

Last May, Shoigu visited Egypt to discuss matters of mutual interest, especially with regards to military cooperation and the development of relations between Egypt and Russia.

The meeting also reviewed developments in the Middle East, as well as regional and international challenges, including threats of terrorism and extremism, which have in turn become a threat to international peace and security.