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Russia looks to Egypt for Mideast foothold

Russia wants to increase its regional presence in the Arab world, and having Egypt share the Russian narrative of regional dynamics is a way out of its isolation.
Girls walk past a banner with a picture of Russian President Vladimir Putin along a bridge, in central Cairo February 9, 2015. Putin is due to arrive on Monday on his first visit to Egypt in ten years. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih(EGYPT - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR4OTY2
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Russia's pursuit of new strongholds outside Europe has entered another phase. Previously Moscow was looking for new regional venues where its presence will be welcomed. Now, it seems Russia has not only found them, but has identified critical partners in these regions and is gradually making moves to build up relations with them. In this calculation, Egypt is a pivotal state.

Both the symbolism and the details of President Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to Egypt are indeed impressive. The Russian president received a warm welcome in Cairo, saluted by an honor guard while the city itself was decorated with Russian flags and Putin's portraits — a stark contrast to how the Russian elite is treated in the West. Many Russian commentators saw a symbolic gesture to Western states: Russia is anything but isolated, while Europe is no longer the promised land for the state that seeks recognition of its global influence.

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