Putin's visit to Egypt inspires hope for growth in Cairo
Egypt could be seeing the revival of an otherwise lackluster alliance with Russia, a potential relationship that has much to offer both sides.
On Dec. 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin completed a diplomatic sprint, touring Syria, Egypt and Turkey in just one day. While the latter two visits were announced by the Kremlin beforehand, his detour to the Russian air base in Syria’s Khmeimim was a surprise to the public, for security reasons. In Syria, Putin ordered the partial drawdown of Russian troops and, together with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, attended a military parade.
"You are coming home to your families with victory. The Motherland is waiting for you, friends! Thank you for your service!" Putin said, addressing the troops. “Should terrorists rise up in Syria again, we'll deliver strikes they have never seen."
