Egyptian army head, Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah El Sisi, and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on February 13, 2014 at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence near Moscow to discuss future relations between Egypt and Russia and Sisi’s decision to run for president. President Putin expressed his good wishes to Field Marshal Sisi for his recent decision to participate in Egypt’s elections in April, and Sisi’s desire to restore relations between the two countries and construct a mutually beneficial relationship.
Sisi and Putin are said to have discussed trade, economic relations, and investment opportunities during their meeting. Other sources report that the two leaders also began talks on the potential delivery of Russian arms to Egypt and how to develop Egypt’s air defense system.