What to expect during Putin’s visit to Egypt

CAIRO – 10 December 2017: In light of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Cairo which is scheduled to begin on Monday, many issues are expected to be discussed between the Russian president and his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.

The military expert and the head of the former war intelligence reconnaissance body, Nasser Salim, said to Egypt Today on Sunday that "this is the right time for the Russian president's visit to Egypt because there are a lot of files that are being put up during this visit and appropriate solutions must be devised due to Egypt's strategic importance.”

Salim added that Egypt and Russia will definitely discuss the Palestinian crisis and the American declaration that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.

“In addition to the Syrian and Libyan files among the discussions, different views will be put forward on the incomprehensible actions of Trump, declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel and igniting the territory where a decision will be made to ensure the stability of the region,” Dr. Tariq Fahmi, professor of economics and political Science, stated to Egypt Today.

Of the most prominent issues on the table, as well, cooperation in counter terrorism comes on top.


Russia's President Vladimir Putin (C) and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (L) visit a cafe at the Rosa Khutor resort in Sochi, August 12, 2014. REUTERS/Alexei Druzhinin/RIA Novosti/Kremlin

“This cooperation is due to the increasing number of terrorist organizations in the region and their seriousness in the Middle East, so the terrorism issue will be given special priority during Putin's visit, as it threatens the whole region,” Salim explained.

Of prominence as well comes the Syrian issue and its impact on the region.
General Hisham Alhalabi, the military expert, informed Egypt Today that Putin's visit comes due to the importance of Egypt in the region, as well as the need for coordination and consultation for the stability of Syria because Syrian stability has become very important.

In terms of security, the two presidents are expected to discuss security matters pertaining to the World Cup set to be held in Russia in June of next year.

“Since Russia is hosting the World Cup in 2018 and must deal with the world's security services and exchange information with them, Egypt will help Russia in this file; especially as there are threats from ISIS regarding this global event,” Major General Talaat Musa, advisor to Nasser Military Academy, said to Egypt Today.

On the economic side, economic expert Mohamed Nasr told Egypt Today that the return of Russian aviation and tourism represents a strong and new boost to the Egyptian economy. “Putin's visit to Egypt should resolve this issue because Egypt is capable of attracting more Russian investment in the coming period,” Nasr explained.

"We need to increase economic cooperation with Turkey because it will have many economic effects, including increased Russian tourists in Egypt," he added. “Increasing Russian Investments and opening more Russian projects in Egypt will provide great job opportunities for young people. It has become necessary for Russia to establish an industrial zone in Egypt, as this will contribute to the stability of relations.”

Dr. Ahmed Karim, an analyst in Russian affairs, agreed with Nasr. Karim stated to Egypt Today that Egypt has to resolve the controversial points with the Russian side on top of which is the return of Russian aviation to Egypt as soon as possible, and the return of Russian tourists must not be postponed.