The most significant political development in the Middle East over the past two years has been Russia 's increasing military and political presence in the area ; this includes its relations with Egypt . Both nations are presently holding joint military exercises in El - Alamein , marking the first - ever deployment of Russian Airborne Troops stocked with their own equipment on the African continent . Furthermore , reports suggest Moscow is negotiating with Cairo to lease military facilities , including a former Soviet base in Sidi - Omar . The newspaper Izvestia quoted a source close to Russian military circles who noted, “The discussions centered around the year 2019. If true , this would significantly change the strategic landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean , particularly regarding naval deployments . Indeed , these deepening ties are strengthening Egypt 's relations with other Middle East nations .
The most significant political development in the Middle East over the past two years has been Russia 's increasing military and political presence in the area ; this includes its relations with Egypt . Both nations are presently holding joint military exercises in El - Alamein , marking the first - ever deployment of Russian Airborne Troops stocked with their own equipment on the African continent . Furthermore , reports suggest Moscow is negotiating with Cairo to lease military facilities , including a former Soviet base in Sidi - Omar . If true , this would significantly change the strategic landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean , particularly regarding naval deployments . Indeed , these deepening ties are strengthening Egypt 's relations with other Middle East nations .