By Amina El Farnawany

Prime Minister Sherif Ismail stressed on the importance of facilitating procedures related to increasing agricultural exports to Russia, according to a statement by cabinet spokesperson Hossam El-Kawish.

Ismail said the Egyptian government is keen on completing all procedures to expand Russian contributions to large projects that are now being implemented. The purpose is to gain momentum in relations between both countries.

Egyptian Minister of Agriculture Essam Farid said procedures to promote export of agricultural and dairy products to Russia are currently taking place. He also mentioned that all products will be subject to safety tests before exporting.

Ties between Egypt and Russia are at their best in quite a long period, with both presidents reactivating strategic relations and conducting agreements to enhance their military and economic situations.

President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi visited Russia twice, once in February 2014 while serving as interim defence minister and another in August 2014 when he officially took office.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Cairo on 9 February, marking his first visit to Egypt since 2005.