In a phone call between Russian president Vladimir Putin and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi , the leaders emphasised the need to continue to fight international terrorists not only in Syria, but in Libya and in Yemen, according to a statement released by the Kremlin.
Both leaders confirmed they will support the International Syria Support Group.
“They expressed common intention to develop further bilateral relations, including in the spheres of energy and the military-technical cooperation. The parties confirmed it is necessary to provide all necessary conditions to resume Russian flights to Egypt,” the statement read.
Russian intervention in Syria began in October 2015, with Moscow claiming that it has undertaken military efforts “to fight terror groups”. However, opposition forces and media reports have claimed that Russian claims to combat terrorism have been a pretence to militarily support the government of Bashar Al-Assad.
Saudi Arabia previously said it is ready to participate in a ground operation in Syria within the framework of a US coalition. However, Egypt has distanced itself from military action, stating that it supports a political solution.
The international community is concerned with the spread of the “Islamic State” (IS) in Libya as the militant group continues to attack oil facilities.
