You have to give it to Russian President Vladimir Putin: the guy knows how to make a memorable first impression. Just yesterday, when meeting Egyptian President?Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, Putin presented the Egyptian leader with a very unique gift: a Russian-made AK-47 machine gun.
As it turns out, Russia is hoping to sell billions of dollars worth of armaments to Egypt in the years ahead, so Putin must have thought he’d let el-Sisi touch the merchandise before he hands over the cash. The two nations recently agreed to a $3.5 billion arms deal which will send attack helicopters and MiG fighters to Egypt, but it is believed this is just the first of several big deals to come.
Putin did his best to say nice things about Egypt, remarking that the country has quickly become one of the most popular vacation spots for Russians in recent years. This would presume, however, that said vacationers are not currently engaged in trying to pummel Ukraine into submission at the direct orders of Putin.
The AK-47, also known as a?Kalashnikov, is one of the most well-known weapons in the world. It is said to be the favorite of most guerrilla fighters and terrorists around the world. Al Qaeda founder and leader Osama bin Laden was almost always photographed with an AK-47 either in his hands or nearby. That has to be a point of pride for the Russians.
An assault rifle is somewhat of an odd gift for one leader to present to another while visiting. While in China recently, Putin gave?a Russian-made smartphone to Chinese leader?Xi Jinping. President Obama was given plates and teacups when he met with Putin, which was before the Russian President decided to annex Crimea and destabilize the region with a partial invasion of Ukraine.
It should be interesting to see what el-Sisi brings with him when he visits Putin in the future. I’m thinking a tank might be appropriate.
