Russia, Egypt favor joint anti-terrorist front

Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fatah AlSisi on Wednesday that Russia and Egypt are in favor of creating an antiterrorist front that would include Syria.

“We have underscored the vital importance of setting a counterterrorism front to include key international players of the region, including Syria,” the Russian president said during the debrief of talks with AlSisi.

The Kremlin chief stressed that Moscow and Cairo share a view regarding the need to intensify the fight against international terrorism, which requires enhanced efforts due radicalized organizations, particularly the socalled Islamic State.

For his part, AlSisi said that he was “pleased to note the coincidence of our interests and views on how to resolve these issues,” adding Egypt’s position regarding the IsraeliPalestinian conflict respecting the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to establish their own independent state, with Eastern Jerusalem as its capital.

On a separate note, the Egyptian president expressed interest in “strengthening military cooperation” between the two countries, especially in the areas of armament and training.

This is fourth meeting between Putin and AlSisi, who is trying to bring economic stability and security to the Arab country that has ensued since the Arab Spring in 2011.