Russia's Putin says supports Sisi's bid for Egypt presidency
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday threw his weight behind a presidential bid by Egyptian Army chief Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, voicing hope that ties would strengthen after the election.
Russia is looking to take advantage of strains between Cairo and Washington, which has withheld some of its annual aid to Egypt after Sisi ousted Egypt's first democratically elected president Islamist leader Mohamed Mursi last year.
Sisi, 59, has been urged to run by members of the public who reject the Islamist government he toppled, and by members of the armed forces who want a president who can face down growing political violence. Earlier this month, a Kuwaiti newspaper quoted him as saying he would run in an election expected to be held in April.
"I know you have decided to run for president. This is a very responsible decision, to take upon yourself responsibility for the fate of the Egyptian people," Putin told Sisi.
"I wish you luck on my own behalf and that of the Russian people," he said.
Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy said last year that Egypt would look beyond Washington and keep its "options" open to meet its security needs.
Russia is currently negotiating an arms contract with Egypt that Moscow-based defense think tank CAST has estimated at $2 billion. Moscow says it lost tens of billions of dollars in lost defense contracts after "Arab Spring" revolts toppled Moscow-friendly leaders in the Middle East and North Africa.
(Reporting by Alexei Anishchuk; Writing by Thomas Grove; Editing by Catherine Evans)
» Putin Supports Egypt Presidential Bid
13/02/14 22:53 from WSJ.com: World News
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he supports a presidential bid by Egypt's top military commander, Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who was in Moscow seeking to forge deeper military cooperation between the two countries.
» Putin Supports Egypt Presidential Bid
13/02/14 22:53 from WSJ.com: World News
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he supports a presidential bid by Egypt's top military commander, Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who was in Moscow seeking to forge deeper military cooperation between the two countries.
2/3 Фото пресс-службы Президента РоссииПервый вице-премьер Египта – Министр обороны и военной промышленности Абдель-Фаттах ас-Сиси (в центре) и Министр иностранных дел Египта Набиль Фахми (слева) на встрече с Президентом России.13 февраля 2014 года
"I came to you with the open arms, Vovchick. Please, appoint me the President of Egypt!"
3/3 Фото пресс-службы Президента РоссииС Министром иностранных дел Сергеем Лавровым на встрече с главами Минобороны и МИД Египта.13 февраля 2014 года
"All right. But I'll see how you will behave. If you serve me well, I'll give you the Golden Star, just like to Nasser. But if you switch sides, like that other guy, you will be killed by my agents, remember this!"
/5 Фото пресс-службы Президента РоссииПо завершении встречи с Первым вице-премьером Египта – Министром обороны и военной промышленности Абделем-Фаттахом ас-Сиси. Крайний слева – Министр иностранных дел Египта Набиль Фахми.13 февраля 2014 года
"Thank you for giving me the Big Red Star, Vovchick! Even if you keep me on a stretched arm distance for now."
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