The Egyptian parliament has ratified the treaty with the Russian Federation on comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. This was reported by the newspaper Al Ahram.
The Russian embassy welcomed the ratification. "We consider it an important step towards the development of friendly relations between Russia and Egypt, which are based on deep traditions of friendship, mutual sympathy of our peoples and a mutual desire to increase cooperation," the Russian diplomatic mission said in a statement posted on its official Facebook page.
The treaty was signed by the presidents of the two countries in Sochi on October 17, 2018. The State Duma ratified it in July 2019. According to the text, the parties will adhere to the practice of exchanging visits of heads of state "on a regular basis, at least once a year, alternately in Moscow and in Cairo." In addition, "within the framework of political dialogue, consultations between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs are organized regularly, at least twice a year, alternately in the capitals of the two countries". The format of "2+2" consultations between the Foreign and Defense Ministers of the two countries is also envisaged. The parties will promote contacts between the Egyptian and Russian parliaments.
The Treaty provides for holding annual meetings of the Russian-Egyptian joint commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation and of the Russian-Egyptian business council in each state in turn. Moscow and Cairo undertake to promote the conditions for free trade and effective investment cooperation. Increased attention will be paid to infrastructure projects, especially in the energy sector, including nuclear power.
"The parties shall develop cooperation in the military and military-technical spheres on the basis of relevant agreements between them, taking into account their mutual interests and their international obligations," the text reads.
The treaty is valid for ten years and enters into force from the date of receipt of the last written notice of the completion by the parties of the domestic procedures necessary for its entry into force. After that, the treaty will be automatically prolonged every five years unless one of the parties decides to withdraw from it.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on materials from TASS