Putin backs Egypt army chief’s run for president
MOSCOW (AP) – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday wished Egypt’s military chief victory in the nation’s presidential vote, even though he has yet to announce his bid – a strong endorsement signaling Moscow’s desire to expand its military and other ties with a key U.S. ally in the Middle East. Without naming the United States, the Kremlin used Egyptian Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi `s visit to criticize what it regards as U.S. interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Russia’s ties with the U.S. have been badly strained by disputes ranging from Syria’s civil war, to missile defense plans in Europe, to Moscow’s human rights record.