Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at a Tuesday meeting in Cairo with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi that Russia appreciates Egypt’s role in achieving security and stability in the region, according to a statement released by the Egyptian Presidency.

Shoigu also said at the meeting – which was attended by the Egyptian Defense Minister, the Russian Deputy Defense Minister and the Russian Ambassador to Cairo - that Russia is keen to continue cooperation with Egypt in all areas, especially in the military field.

Shoigu also highlighted the importance of unified efforts by the international community in combating terrorism.

Presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef said that El-Sisi praised the historical relationship between Egypt and Russia, stressing Egypt’s keenness to reinforce cooperation with Russia in all fields, including the military, which supports both countries’ ability to face different challenges.

Regarding the fight against terrorism, the Egyptian president stressed the importance of utilizing a comprehensive approach to halt the spread of extremist ideologies, as well as the need to target sources of funding for terror groups.

The Russian delegation’s visit comes less than a week after the two countries signed the Dabaa nuclear plant deal, which involves the building of four third-generation reactors in Egypt.

Egypt and Russia have been carrying out investigations into the crash of a Russian airliner that was downed in central Sinai on 31 October, killing all 224 people on board.

Russia claims that a bomb caused the crash, but Egyptian authorities have not confirmed this, saying the investigation is ongoing.