Russia courts old Middle East allies seeking military revenues

MOSCOW — Russia and Libya are nearing agreement for the upgrade of Soviet warplanes bought by Tripoli over the last 20 years as part of a $600 million deal.

Russian defense sources said the upgrade deal will be one of several contracts signed by the end of the month. They said the size of the contracts will exceed $600 million.

Russia has been courting many of its former Soviet clients in the Middle East. On Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov launched a Middle East tour with a visit to Cairo. He will also visit Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, the Palestinian Authority and Saudi Arabia.

"We have agreed to sign contracts on constructing various facilities in Libya by the end of November," Russian Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu said. "As for their cost, it will exceed $600 million."

The assertion came in the wake of a visit by a Russian delegation, including Shoigu, to Tripoli. The two countries discussed trade and economic cooperation and decided to explore the prospect of joint investments.

Officials said the Russian upgrade will begin with an overhaul of the Soviet planes sold Libya. These include the MiG-25, MiG-23 and Sukhoi warplanes. About 350 out of 450 Libyan warplanes are believed to be operational.

In May, Russia resumed diplomatic and economic relations with Libya. Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to visit Tripoli.

It will be the first visit by a Russian foreign minister to Iraq since 1994. Russia supports the lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran.