From Morocco to Egypt, Moscow has been expanding influence through arms and energy deals, tourism promotion, and diplomatic overtures to warm relations and slowly dislodge U.S. influence in North Africa. In the Middle East, Putin made visible strides by 2010. Russia and Egypt held their first joint naval drills in June 2015, and military exercises in October 2016. Such access would allow Russia to project military power into Europe, Middle East and North Africa. Speaking at Russia’s premier annual Valdai conference in October 2016 Putin said that Africa cannot be on the periphery of international relations.

Source: The North Africa Journal September 21, 2017 11:15 UTC