Al-Sisi to visit Moscow for WWII commemoration

Aya Nader
2 Min Read
During a visit of Russian President Wladimir Putin (L) to Egypt in February, weapon deliviries were discussed (Photo Presidency Handout)
During a visit of Russian President Wladimir Putin (L) to Egypt in February, weapon deliviries were discussed  (Photo Presidency Handout)
During a visit of Russian President Wladimir Putin (L) to Egypt in February, weapon deliviries were discussed
(Photo Presidency Handout)

President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi is set to visit Moscow on 9 May for Victory Day’s 70th anniversary celebrations.

The Moscow Victory Day Parade will take place in Red Square to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s capitulation in 1945. The annual parade marks the Allies’ victory on the Eastern Front at the end of the Second World War.

Al-Sisi has sought improved relations with Russia, Egypt’s second largest weapons provider, since coming to power after the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood government and former president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

After Al-Sisi’s two visits to Russia, one in February 2014 whilst still interim defence minister, and another in August of the same year after his take-over as President, Putin returned the visit.

Economic relations with Russia are seeing a sharp rise, with Putin announcing that the two countries are seeking to cooperate in the infrastructure, automotives and chemical industries fields. This runs besides strengthening tourism, educational and scientific exchanges, and investing in energy and gas.

Economic cooperation formed the core of talks between the two countries, one month before the March Economic Summit that was held in Sharm El-Sheikh. Over 300 Russian companies currently operate in Egypt for investment purposes, with bilateral trade between Egypt and Russia registering $4.5bn in 2014, increasing 50% compared to 2013.

The two countries agreed on a cooperation to establish a nuclear power station. The joint project includes the construction of a station, personnel training and provision of equipment to generate electricity.

 

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