12 May 2007
The recent trip of President Hosni Mubarak to Russia & china looked to be interpreted in different ways. These trips may appear to be routine at first glance. A more in-depth study of Mubarak’s aims would reveal a desire of Egypt, a U.S. long time ally, and to enhance its economic & political relations with influential eastern states. After two decades of close relations with the U.S. and Europe and given the new situation in the region, Egypt has realized following merely western-oriented approach cannot achieve its goals. Russia and china are aware of Egypt's importance & influence in the Arab world and interested to enhance their relations with Egypt not only for economic benefits but to achieve further influence in the region. A complete alternation of Egypt's foreign policy orientation is an inadequate reading of new chance in Egypt's foreign policy. However, Egypt is showing greater diversity in its foreign policy orientation, by reaching out to china and Russia.
