History of Egypt–Russia relations in Timeline

Egypt and Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) established diplomatic relations in 1943. Egypt maintains an embassy in Moscow, and Russia has an embassy in Cairo and a consulate in Alexandria. These relations have seen periods of cooperation and alignment, particularly during the Cold War when Egypt was a major recipient of Soviet aid and military support. In contemporary times, Egypt and Russia continue to maintain strong ties, marked by cooperation in areas such as trade, military cooperation, and energy, including Russian involvement in Egyptian nuclear power projects.

August 26, 1943: Establishment of Diplomatic Relations

On August 26, 1943, the Soviet Union and Egypt officially established diplomatic relations, marking a new chapter in their bilateral engagement.

1955: Major arms deal with Soviet Union

In 1955, Egypt entered into a major arms deal with the Soviet Union, marking a significant shift in its military partnerships and increasing Soviet influence in the region.

1956: Arrival of Czechoslovak instructors

In 1956, Czechoslovak instructors arrived in Egypt to train Egyptian personnel in the use of Soviet weapons, enhancing Egypt's military capabilities.

1964: Nasser Awarded Hero of the Soviet Union

In 1964, during Nikita Khrushchev's visit, Gamal Abdel Nasser was controversially awarded the highest Soviet decoration, the star of the Hero of the Soviet Union with the Order of Lenin, highlighting the close relationship between Egypt and the USSR.

May 27, 1971: Signing of Soviet-Egyptian Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation

On May 27, 1971, the Soviet Union and Egypt signed the Soviet-Egyptian Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, despite the relationship beginning to decline.

July 1972: Expulsion of Soviet military advisors (claimed)

In July 1972, the Egyptian government claimed to have expelled Soviet military advisors from Egypt; however, new research indicates this was disinformation to hide Egypt's offensive plans. Soviet advisors continued training Egyptian troops.

1973: Soviet advisors present during the war

In 1973, Soviet advisors were present during the war, training Egyptian troops.

March 1976: Abrogation of the friendship treaty

In March 1976, Egypt abrogated the friendship treaty with the Soviet Union, further damaging relations between the two countries.

1979: Egypt Supports Mujahideen in Afghanistan

In 1979, relations between Egypt and the USSR were further damaged when Egypt supported the Mujahideen in Afghanistan after the Soviet Union invaded the country.

September 1981: Severing of Relations

In September 1981, the Egyptian government severed relations with the Soviet Union, accusing Soviet leadership of trying to undermine Sadat's leadership in retaliation to the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty.

1984: Reestablishment of Relations

In 1984, under President Hosni Mubarak, relations between Egypt and the Soviet Union were reestablished, marking a thaw in the previously strained dynamic.

February 1989: Visit by Soviet Minister of Foreign Affairs

In February 1989, Soviet Minister of Foreign Affairs Eduard Shevardnadze visited Egypt, signaling a further improvement in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

April 2005: Putin's Visit to Egypt

In April 2005, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Egypt, strengthening diplomatic ties and initiating discussions on future cooperation.

2006: Opening of Egyptian Russian University

In 2006, the Egyptian Russian University was opened in Badr City, Cairo, offering training in pharmacy and engineering, with students visiting Izhevsk, Russia for additional study and internships.

April 2008: Mubarak's Visit to Russia

In April 2008, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak visited Russia, continuing the high-level dialogues and collaborations between the two nations.

2009: Russia Accounts for 31% of Egypt's weapon imports

From 2009 to 2018, Russia accounted for 31% of Egypt's imports of major weapons.

May 2013: Morsi's Visit to Russia

In May 2013, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi visited Russia, further solidifying bilateral relations and exploring new avenues for cooperation.

July 2013: Improved Relations After Morsi's Removal

In July 2013, relations between Egypt and Russia improved following the removal of Mohamed Morsi from office, leading to closer cooperation in military and trade ties.

November 2013: Meeting of Egyptian and Russian Ministers in Cairo

In November 2013, Egyptian Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy met with their Russian counterparts, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Cairo, with Egypt expressing a desire to return to Soviet-level relations with Russia and hinting at potential military cooperation.

September 2014: Preliminary Arms Deal Reached

In September 2014, Egypt and Russia reached a preliminary deal for Egypt to purchase $3.5 billion worth of arms from Russia, despite international sanctions on Moscow.

2014: Sisi's Visits to Russia

In 2014, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visited Russia twice, once in February as defense minister and again in August after being elected president, with Vladimir Putin offering support for Sisi's presidential campaign.

October 31, 2015: Metrojet Flight 9268 Crash

On October 31, 2015, in the aftermath of the Metrojet Flight 9268 crash, which carried 224 passengers toward Russia, Egypt and Russia planned to investigate the incident together.

November 28, 2015: Egypt and Russia Sign Deal for Airbase Use

On November 28, 2015, Egypt and Russia signed a deal allowing their warplanes to use each other's airbases and airspace, solidifying their status as close allies.

2015: Egypt as a Top Tourist Destination for Russians

As of 2015, Egypt is the most popular tourist destination for Russians traveling abroad, with affordable vacation packages available.

2015: Russian intervention in Syrian Civil War

In 2015, Russia intervened militarily in favor of the Assad government in the Syrian civil war, with Egypt also supporting the Syrian government.

2015: Metrojet Flight 9268 Bombing

The bombing of Metrojet Flight 9268 in 2015 resulted in the death of 224 people, most of whom were Russian tourists.

December 2017: Agreements Signed During Putin's Visit to Cairo

In December 2017, during President Vladimir Putin's visit to Cairo, Russia and Egypt signed agreements for Russia to build Egypt's first nuclear reactor and supply nuclear fuel. They also agreed to establish a "Russian Industrial Zone" along the Suez Canal.

2018: Russia Accounts for 31% of Egypt's weapon imports

From 2009 to 2018, Russia accounted for 31% of Egypt's imports of major weapons.

2020: Deployment of Egyptian Troops to Syria

In 2020, it was reported that Egypt deployed 150 troops to help the Syrian government, indicating continued support during the civil war.

2020: Egypt Receives Su-35 Jets from Russia

In the Summer of 2020, Egypt received five Su-35 jets from Russia, despite a threat from the United States regarding international sanctions, and the Russian journalist who revealed the transaction, Ivan Safronov, was detained.

August 2021: Resumption of Direct Commercial Flights

In August 2021, direct commercial flights between Russia and Egypt resumed for the first time since the Metrojet Flight 9268 bombing in 2015, with a Rossiya Airlines passenger plane landing in Sharm El Sheikh.

August 2023: Grain destined for Egypt destroyed in Ukraine port

In August 2023, a Russian drone attack on the port of Izmail in southern Ukraine destroyed 13,000 tons of grain destined for Egypt and Romania.

August 2023: Russia invites Egypt to join BRICS

On 23 August 2023, at the 15th BRICS summit, Russia along with the other members of BRICS formally invited Egypt to join the organization.

January 2024: Egypt Joins BRICS

On January 1, 2024, Egypt became a full member of the BRICS organization, marking a significant step in its international economic and political integration.

March 2025: Tourist Submarine Sinks Near Hurghada

On 27 March 2025, a tourist submarine operated by Sindbad Submarines sank near Hurghada, resulting in the death of six Russian tourists and injuries to 29 others. The submarine was carrying 45 Russian passengers and five Egyptian crew members on an underwater excursion to observe coral reefs when the incident occurred.