Egypt will aim to balance Russia and the West

Significance

Russia is a valuable ally for Egypt. Apart from building the nuclear power plant, it is an important source of wheat, weapons and tourists. The war in Ukraine and the antagonism between Russia and the West is forcing Cairo to balance its Russian interests with strategic relations with the United States, the EU and its Gulf allies.

Impacts

• The number of Russian tourists to Egypt in the coming peak winter season is likely to be much less than in previous years.
• Russia will continue to provide wheat to Egypt but supplies may be subject to disruptions.
• Egypt will look to attract Russian investment in the Suez Canal.
• Washington will continue to provide significant levels of aid to Cairo, including military assistance.