Russia, Egypt in Talks to Sign Airbase Deal

Nov. 30, 2017

Russia is negotiating an agreement with Egypt that would allow either country to access the other's airspace and air bases.

Moscow has been increasing its military cooperation with Cairo since Egypt's 2013 military coup. The two countries reportedly held joint military exercises for the first time in October 2016.

A government decree signed by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday instructs the Defense Ministry to sign the airbase deal when the sides complete talks. The agreement would last for 5 years and could be extended.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu traveled to the Egyptian capital on Wednesday to conduct the negotiations.

The draft agreement was published several months after U.S. officials reportedly spotted Russian special forces deployed at two Egyptian airbases near the border with Libya.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue