CAIRO — On June 23, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev met with his Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak to sign a strategic partnership agreement and to support bilateral ties between the two countries. In a joint announcement, the two presidents said that their countries had pledged to build "a new multi-polar world order, in which increased democracy, justice and security will prevail”.

A positive tone dominated Medvedev's discussion of the partnership agreement between the two countries, which will last for 10 years. Medvedev expressed his opinion that it will pave the way for a prosperous future in both countries. He said, "We look forward to future negotiations in promising areas [such as] industry, energy, nuclear power and technology."

Russia also proposed hosting an international peace conference in the Middle East, which Egypt fully supports. Mubarak told reporters after the meeting, "I reiterated Egypt's support for the conference that Moscow has proposed to push the peace process forward." He added that Egypt supports "everything that contributes to a comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East”.

Russia, along with the U.S., EU and the UN, is a member of the International Quartet on Middle East negotiations. The Quartet works with regional leaders to support peace efforts. Medvedev told reporters after the meeting that, "We are paying special attention to Middle East issues, and we very much appreciate the efforts made by the Egyptian president to create a climate of trust and cooperation in the region."

Medvedev's visit marks the first trip of a Russian president to Africa in more than three years. His itinerary also included stops in Nigeria, Namibia and Angola.

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