Egypt’s Sisi keen on cooperating with Russia

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said Saturday his country is keen on cooperating with Russia at all levels, the Cairo-based Al Ahram newspaper reported.

Sisi, which made the statements during a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, said that he is aiming for all sorts of collaboration that would benefit both countries.

Putin affirmed Russia’s support to Sisi and said that his country will keep on backing the Egyptian leader “for the good of your people and your country.”

During the meeting, Sisi also spoke about Russia’s role in World War II and said that Egypt understands the role that Russia has played to combat fascism.

Sisi was in Moscow to take part in celebrations marking 70 years since victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Cairo has sought to strengthen its ties with Moscow against the backdrop of strained ties with long-time ally Washington since the ouster of Islamist president Mohammed Mursi in July 2013.

Russia was Sisi’s first visit to a foreign country since he was sworn in as president in June after a landslide victory at the polls.