Russia’s relations with Egypt will face limits

Significance

Cairo has shown an openness to closer political, economic and military cooperation with Moscow. It has also broadly supported Russia’s attempts to position itself as a champion of the Global South. However, the relationship is tempered by Cairo’s close ties with the United States and Europe and its reliance on US financial aid.

Impacts

• Egypt’s BRICS+ membership and growing engagement with Russia reflect Cairo's shift towards non-Western alliances.
• Russia’s role in Egypt’s energy sector and Cairo’s reliance on Moscow for food security ensure the Kremlin will enjoy continued influence.
• Egypt will carefully balance its growing reliance on Russia with economic and military support from the United States and Western nations.