Putin Congratulates El-Sisi On Presidency

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has congratulated Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on his inauguration as president of Egypt.

“Your convincing victory in the election is evidence of the considerable respect you have acquired in Egyptian society. The voting results show that Egypt’s people support your proposed measures for political stabilisation, sustained economic growth and effective resolution of social problems.”

The statement was published on the Kremlin website on Sunday.

Putin had earlier congratulated El-Sisi on his “convincing” victory in May, after preliminary results showed El-Sisi had garnered over 90 percent of the votes.

“Our ties go back a long way and I am sure they have a bright future ahead,” Putin added.

Egypt has been moving closer to Russia since last summer’s ouster of president Mohamed Morsi.

AFP reported that military contracts worth $2 billion were discussed during a visit by Russian officials to Cairo in November 2013 and subsequently during El-Sisi’s Moscow trip.

Egypt had strong ties with Russia in the 1950s and ’60s, and the Soviet Union was the main supplier of arms to Egypt until the early 1970s. Relations soured after Israel and Egypt signed a peace treaty in 1979 which resulted in some $1.3 billion in annual US military aid.

Putin added: “I take this opportunity to confirm my invitation to you to visit Russia soon. The dates can be settled through diplomatic channels.”

He wished El-Sisi good fortune and success in carrying out his job, and wished the nation stability and prosperity.

Source : Ahram online