Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday wished Egypt’s military chief victory in the nation’s presidential vote as Moscow sought to expand its military and other ties with a key U.S. ally in the Middle East. Putin said at the start of his meeting with Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi that he’s aware of his intention to seek the presidency. “I know that you have made a decision to run for president,” Putin said, according to Russian news reports. “That’s a very responsible decision: to undertake such a mission for the fate of the Egyptian people. On my own part, and on behalf of the Russian people I wish you success.” El-Sissi, who rose to prominence after the ouster of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi last July, is popular among a large segment of Egyptians and is widely expected to announce a candidacy for presidential elections that […]