DHAKA: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu are due to hold talks in the Egyptian capital Cairo that will reportedly include possible arms deals.

It is the first such high-level Russian visit to Egypt in decades.

Reports suggest that weapons deals worth as much as $2bn (£1.2bn) could be on the table.

The flurry of diplomatic activity follows US President Barack Obama`s decision to cut defence aid to Egypt.

The flagship of Russia`s Pacific Naval Fleet, the cruiser Varyag, is on a six-day visit to Alexandria - the first Russian warship to visit Egypt since 1992.

The Egyptian Al-Wafd newspaper described the meeting between Egyptian and Russian officials as "historic".

Mr Lavrov told Egypt`s Al-Ahram newspaper on Wednesday that for more than two years Russia had expressed its support for democratic change in Egypt.

"We are quite confident that Egypt will overcome its current crises and put into consideration the interests of all political, ethnic and religious blocs within society," he said.

Earlier this week, Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy told Russia`s state-owned RT television that deliveries of Russian arms were being considered, Russian news agency Ria Novosti reported.

"The issue of purchasing new Russian weapons should be carefully examined," he said.

In October, the US said it was suspending a large part of the $1.3bn (£810m) in aid it gives to the Egyptian military.

It followed a crackdown by the authorities on supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi that left hundreds of people dead.

However, the US has stopped short of labelling President Morsi`s removal from power a coup.

Source: BBC
BDST: 1129 HRS, NOV 14, 2013
RS/BSK