Russia, EU conflict will not pressure Egypt’s economic policies: Analysts

While Russia is applying pressure on eastern European countries to postpone trade agreements with the European Union (EU), Egyptian analysts expect less pressure on Egypt to reduce its economic relations with the EU.

During the summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Minsk, Belarus on 10 October, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that Moldova must take into account Russia’s interests before developing relations with the EU, calling for the postponement of a free trade deal between Moldova and the EU until 2016.

Putin added that Russia is not against establishing closer ties with the EU; however, he stated that conditions of rapprochement should be discussed.

The EU has imposed sanctions against Russia in response to the annexation of Crimea in March. Both of the EU and the US think Russia is supporting separatists in eastern Ukraine through armouring them and providing troops.