Russia, Egypt working on deal to use each other's air bases
Russia and Egypt are set to finalize a deal allowing both countries to use each other's air space and air bases for their military aircraft.
The Kremlin published on Thursday a draft of the military deal which is to be finalized between the two countries.
The draft agreement, signed by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Nov. 28, instructed the Russian Defense Ministry to hold negotiations with the Egyptian military to finalize the agreement.
The draft deal was published shortly after Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Cairo for talks with Egypt's political and military leadership on Wednesday.
Under the deal, Russian and Egyptian military aircraft would be allowed to fly in each other's air space and use one another’s airfields by giving a five-day advance notice.
The duration of the initial agreement is expected to be five years, however, it could be extended and last for as long as the conditions demand.
Egyptian leaders have been traditionally on very good terms with Moscow. In the 50s and 60s, then president Gamal Abdel Nasser enjoyed vast support from the former USSR.
Deposed president Hosni Mubarak, who had studied in a Soviet military school and ruled over Egypt for three decades, signed a nuclear deal with Russia.
In 2013, former president Mohammad Morsi visited Russia to strengthen ties and relations between the two countries continued to improve even after he was ousted.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who hails from the ruling junta, has indicated that he wishes to return to Soviet-level relations with Russia.
Experts say Moscow, which has a huge military presence in nearby Syria and close links with Libya’s powerful military commander Khalifa Haftar, is keen to further expand its military presence in the Middle East and North Africa via the deal with Egypt.
Iran calls for more efforts to establish peace in Gaza, Lebanon
UN official urges Egypt to seize Israel-bound arms ship MV Kathrin
Iranian FM in Turkey for 'more important than ever' talks
Rape trials trigger protests against French ‘sexist and misogynistic’ culture
US photographer opens Berlin exhibition with anti-Israel speech
VIDEO | Press TV's News Headlines
VIDEO | US 'non-profit killer’ bill targets pro-Palestinian groups
Explainer: How Yemeni military chased away US aircraft carrier from Red Sea?
French march for women of Palestine
Erdogan: Upholding ICC arrest warrants will restore trust in intl. system
Iran activated new centrifuges in response to IAEA resolution: Parl. speaker
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
