RUSSIA OFFERS MiG-29 TO EGYPT

MOSCOW [MENL] -- Egypt has been examining a Russian offer to sell the advanced MiG-29 fighter-jet.

Russian industry sources said Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has been briefed on the offer of advanced aircraft to Cairo. The sources said Russia's Defense Ministry and industry have discussed the sale of the MiG-29SMT and MiG-AT air trainer to the Egyptian Air Force.

On Wednesday, Mubarak began a three-day visit to Russia, where he was scheduled to meet President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. Mubarak said he would examine a range of Russian offers, including nuclear reactors and anti-aircraft systems.

"The upcoming visit is very important because Russia today plays an important role in the international arena," Egyptian ambassador to Moscow Izzat Saad said.