CAIRO, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- A senior Russian defense official said a possible arms deal between Egypt and Russia would depend on Cairo's ability to pay.
"The issue of purchasing new Russian weapons should be carefully examined," Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy told Russia Today Tuesday.
Interim Egyptian Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi said Cairo may look to Moscow for weapons because Washington suspended some of its military aid, Ahram Online said. Reports suggest Cairo is considering spending some $4 billion on advanced weapons from Russia to meet security needs, RIA Novosti said.
A senior official of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport told RIA Novosti arms deliveries to Egypt would depend on Cairo's ability to pay. Unconfirmed reports suggest a Persian Gulf country may agree to foot Egypt's arms' bill, RIA Novosti reported Wednesday.
Word of the potential arms deal surfaced in the wake of Washington's decision to suspend $260 million in military aid to Egypt and halt the delivery of military systems, al-Arabiya noted.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu arrived in Cairo for a two-day visit to boost ties and enhance defense cooperation, RIA Novosti and Ahram Online reported. Lavrov said Moscow views relations with Egypt as a top priority, Ahram Online said.
