Putin backs Sissi for Egypt leader

Russian President Vladimir Putin has wished Egypt’s military chief victory in the nation’s presidential vote, even though he has yet to announce his bid – a strong endorsement signalling Moscow’s desire to expand its ties with a key US ally in the Middle East.

Without naming the United States, the Kremlin used Egyptian Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi ’s visit to Moscow criticise what it regards as US interference in the internal affairs of other countries.