The Arab president arrived in Moscow – and discovered that Putin had armed his enemy

Egyptian President al-Sisi arrived in Moscow to advance the purchase of Sukhoi 35 fighter jets, and discovered that Ethiopia had beaten him to the acquisition of the same aircraft and air defense systems. Egypt and Ethiopia are in conflict over the Nile dam.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visited Moscow last week to advance the purchase of Sukhoi 35 fighter jets. During his stay in Moscow, Ethiopia announced the receipt of 12 Sukhoi 35 fighter jets and 4 S-400 air defense systems. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the equipment strengthens the armed forces' ability to defend the airspace. The announcement was apparently aimed at Egypt, which is in conflict with Ethiopia over the Nile River due to a dam built by Ethiopia. Al-Sisi has previously threatened to bomb the dam. In addition, Ethiopia faces armed groups in the north of the country and tensions with Eritrea and Somalia.