Frogman
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Russia and Egypt in key Cairo talks
Top Russian and Egyptian ministers are holding talks in the Egyptian capital Cairo that will reportedly include possible arms deals that could be worth as much as $2bn (£1.2bn).
It is the highest level visit to Egypt by a Russian delegation in years.
It follows the US decision to cut defence aid to Egypt in response to the ousting of President Mohammed Morsi.
But Egypt's Foreign Minister, Nabil Fahmy, insisted that he was not looking for a "substitute for anyone".
The BBC's Orla Guerin in Cairo says this visit could mark a significant shift in Egyptian foreign policy.
Relations between Cairo and Moscow cooled decades ago, but they are now warming up, she says.
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".
Both foreign and defence ministers are involved in the talks.
Continued.... BBC News - Russia and Egypt in key Cairo talks
Top Russian and Egyptian ministers are holding talks in the Egyptian capital Cairo that will reportedly include possible arms deals that could be worth as much as $2bn (£1.2bn).
It is the highest level visit to Egypt by a Russian delegation in years.
It follows the US decision to cut defence aid to Egypt in response to the ousting of President Mohammed Morsi.
But Egypt's Foreign Minister, Nabil Fahmy, insisted that he was not looking for a "substitute for anyone".
The BBC's Orla Guerin in Cairo says this visit could mark a significant shift in Egyptian foreign policy.
Relations between Cairo and Moscow cooled decades ago, but they are now warming up, she says.
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".
Both foreign and defence ministers are involved in the talks.
Continued.... BBC News - Russia and Egypt in key Cairo talks