If ties with Beijing are perhaps the most economically critical in the longer term, Egypt’s relationship with Russia could prove to be its most immediately important, with tourism and security cooperation being the lynchpin of the relationship. Egypt had seen success on the later. The two countries held joint anti-terror drills, while Russia (alongside France) positioned to become one of Egypt’s biggest arms suppliers by providing a warship and an R-32 missile corvette. Russia also gave a tacit nod of approval to Egypt acquiring two Mistral class helicopter carriers from France, with the vessels having originally been fitted-out to Russian requirements.

Cooperation extended on the economic front, with Russia expanding its industrial zone, and Rosneft buying a 30% stake in the Zohr natural gas field, a move Russian media is speculating might lead to a gas pipeline to export to Europe. The Presidency has also been assuring that the USD 29 bn Dabaa nuclear power plant contracts will be signed in 2017.

The relationship was complicated by a few hiccups. Cairo’s flip-flopping on ergot contamination in wheat shipments led to Russia imposing a brief ban on fruit and vegetables from Egypt. But the key issue remains the end of the Russian flight ban which followed the Metrojet disaster and continues to cripple the tourism industry. Egypt raced to meet Russia’s stringent security measures, which were met with a combination of praise and non-committal on restoring flights and prodding to do more. Restoring the tourism industry and its sustainable revenues meant Egypt had taken a practical view in prioritizing its relationship with Russia over the short-term aid from Saudi Arabia. And it appears to be working: as the Russian President took note that Egypt beefing its security could see regular flights restored in the near future. We will continue to see Egypt buddying up with Russia in 2017 regardless of the effect it could have on other ties.