Putin hails firm ties with Egypt

Russia's President Vladimir Putin hailed as firm the relations between Cairo and Moscow, expressing his country's support for Egypt, said Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Alaa Yousef on Saturday.

Putin extended his thanks to President Abdel Fattah al Sisi for attending the 70th anniversary of Russia's Victory Day celebrations, Yousef added.

During a meeting here on Saturday, the two leaders discussed boosting the already strong ties and other issues of common concern.

The meeting also touched on bolstering trade, agricultural and economic cooperation as well as prospects of increasing the number of Russian tourists coming to Egypt.

President Sisi invited Putin to the opening ceremony of the new Suez Canal in August.