MOSCOW, November 12 (RIA Novosti) − Egypt’s foreign minister said ahead of a Russian delegation's visit that Cairo is considering deliveries of Russian arms.
Nabil Fahmy said in an interview with Russia’s state-owned RT television channel aired Tuesday that “the issue of purchasing new Russian weapons should be carefully examined.” He confirmed that the issue is under consideration in the Egyptian government.
Russia's defense and foreign ministers will travel to Cairo on Wednesday for a landmark two-day visit to discuss arms sales and political relations.
Earlier media reports indicated that Egypt, which has not bought Russian weapons since the early 1970s, is considering spending at least $4 billion on advanced weaponry from Russia.
The rumors circulating about Egypt turning to Russia for military assistance to meet its security needs follow the partial suspension of military aid and equipment deliveries from the United States.
A high-ranking official in Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport told RIA Novosti last week that new weaponry deliveries to Egypt would depend on the country’s ability to pay for them.
Sources cited by Donia Al-Watan, an independent Palestine territory-based online news outlet, claimed last week that an undisclosed Persian Gulf country had agreed to provide financing.
