 Egyptian military chief meets Russia’s Putin February 13, 2014 - 16:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Egypt’s military chief met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Feb 13, marking his first foreign trip amid reports on imminent military deal. Marshal Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s visit to Moscow points to a potential pivot toward Russia by Egypt – traditionally a stalwart U.S. ally – that could dramatically reorient international relations in the Middle East, RIA Novosti reports. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said talks with el-Sisi served to cement plans to strengthen military ties. El-Sisi has taken a firm grip over the country since the ouster of Islamist former President Mohammed Morsi in July. The violent crackdown unleashed by the el-Sisi government has provoked a cooling in relations with Washington, which announced in October that it would slash longstanding military aid to Cairo. U.S. officials say aid cuts included halting shipments of F-16 fighter jets, Apache helicopters, M1A1 tanks and advanced anti-ship missiles. Egypt’s government-controlled Al-Ahram newspaper reported Wednesday, citing unnamed defense officials, that the purpose of el-Sisi’s visit was to finalize an arms deal worth up to $4 billion that was originally proposed during a November meeting with Russian officials in Cairo.  Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village  The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015.Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents.“By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents.The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |
