Accessibility links

Breaking News

Putin Backs Egypt Military Chief's Bid For Presidency


Egyptian Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (left) shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy looks on at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on February 13.
Egyptian Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (left) shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy looks on at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on February 13.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he supports Egyptian Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's "decision" to run for president.

Sisi had been expected to announce his candidacy but has not publicy done so.

Putin, who met with Sisi in Moscow on February 13, wished Sisi luck "from the Russian people."

Sisi was behind July's ouster of democratically elected, Islamist-backed President Muhammad Morsi, who remains imprisoned.

A new Egyptian presidential election is due next year.

Sisi’s visit to Russia was expected to include talks on Russian arms supplies to Egypt, and some reports said a $2 billion deal was being discussed.

Sisi said he hoped Egypt and Russia would accelerate work on military-technical cooperation.

The United States, Egypt’s main military supplier, suspended some military aid after Morsi was removed from office.

Based on reporting by AFP and Interfax

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG