Egyptian Defense Minister Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has described his Thursday meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu as "signaling a new phase of cooperation" between Cairo and Moscow.
The two men held talks on Thursday to discuss means of bolstering bilateral cooperation, especially in the military sphere, an army spokesman said in a statement issued on Facebook after the meeting.
"We welcome you as dear friends," the spokesman quoted al-Sisi as telling members of the Russian delegation.
"Today's talks signal the beginning of a new phase of joint action and constructive cooperation in the military field," the top general was quoted as saying.
Al-Sisi reportedly said that cooperation between Cairo and Moscow served the cause of peace in the region.
Shoigu, for his part, voiced his appreciation for Egypt and the Egyptian military for its role in "carrying out the will of the Egyptian people."
Shoigu, along with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, are currently on a two-day visit to Egypt, their first since the July 3 ouster of elected president Mohamed Morsi.
According to media reports, the Russian delegation's discussions with Egyptian officials will also cover a proposed $4 billion arms sale to Egypt.
If it goes through, the deal will be the largest since late Egyptian president Anwar Sadat cancelled a major arms deal with the then Soviet Union in 1977.
The Egyptian military spokesman did not, however, refer to any proposed arms deals following Thursday's meeting.
By Hagar al-Dosoki
englishnews@aa.com.tr
