KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi during his second visit to Moscow in the last two months, discussed a wide variety of topics with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
Among the most important agenda in the discussion was formation of an international anti-terrorism coalition.
On Wednesday 26th August 2015, after the meeting President Sisi in Moscow, Putin indicated the fundamental importance of formation of a broad anti-terrorist front that will involve key international players, regional countries including Syria which is currently em battling with Islamic State menace.
Putin added that Egypt and Russia share ‘common views’ on the importance of scaling up war on terrorism, particularly against the Islamic State Takfiris.
ANALYSIS
Over the years Egypt has been faced by challenge of terrorism. The people of Egypt hope to see what improvement will come out in their cooperation with Russia. The cooperation is expected to touch on different fields including the economy and the fight against terror in the region suffering from acts of terrorism.
Cairo and Moscow cooperation aimed to have significance on the region’s stability and security.
Back in February, the two countries had signed several agreements for development projects and this time, the two presidents discussed the construction of a nuclear power plant in Egypt using the Russian technology.
Experts of both countries are completing the development of practical aspects concerning the construction of this station.
Russia will also make delivery of the Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft to Egypt and the plans for the deliveries of the aircraft are at an advanced stage.
SUMMARY & FORECAST
Egypt has been faced by a challenge of terrorism activities which have prompted President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi approve the new strict counter-terrorism laws.
On 17th August 2015, the new laws were approved by the president following the assassination of Prosecutor General Hisham Barakat and attacks on security forces in North Sinai.
On 20th August2015, Egypt’s capital was rocked by a blast at the National Security Agency building. The blast orchestrated using a car bomb left at least 29 with injuries. Islamic State Takfiris shortly claimed the responsibilities of the attack.
Egypt expected to reach out for coalitions such as the Russia to fight the Daesh (Islamic State) which has become the country’s face of terror besides the Muslim Brotherhood.
Egyptian security forces to continue with efforts of flushing out the militants especially at the Sinai Peninsula, which they view as a fertile sanctuary for violent extremists who use the volatile region as safe haven for hiding and planning of attacks.
