Pakistan's golden gun shines at Egypt Defence Expo

40 countries were represented at the Egyptian arms exhibition

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi inaugurated Cairo's first-ever arms fair exhibition- Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX 2018) on Monday.

Hundreds of companies showcased their products at the three-day event and 40 countries were represented at the event.

Among the items on display are US armoured personnel carriers, Indian and Saudi assault rifles, gold-plated firearms from Pakistan, and models of French-made Rafale fighter jets.

Ammunition are displayed on the Pakistani stand during on the first day of Egypt Defense Expo, showcasing military systems and hardware in CairoPHOTO: REUTERS

The show highlights the "strength of the country," said the Egyptian minister for military production, Mohamed al-Assar.

"We are exhibiting our products because Egypt's military production has its place on the world market," he told AFP.

The United States, a major ally of Egypt, has the largest number of foreign companies represented.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visits Egypt s first Service Defence Exhibition, in Cairo's International Exhibition Center PHOTO: REUTERS

Defence Minister Mohamed Ahmed Zaki said Egypt was looking to strengthen its security capabilities.

"The army... seeks to acquire strength from its cooperation with countries that value security and peace to roll back all forms of aggression on Egyptian soil," he said at the opening ceremony.

He later held talks with his French counterpart and the Egyptian president, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.

A made in Egypt TEMSAH 3 (Crocodile 3) military vehicle is displayed on the Egyptian stand during on the first day of Egypt Defense ExpoPHOTO: REUTERS

President Sisi "underlined the deep strategic relations between Egypt and France and valued ongoing cooperation across various fields, especially military cooperation," said the statement.

A made in Egypt TEMSAH 3 (Crocodile 3) military vehicle is displayed on the Egyptian stand during on the first day of Egypt Defense ExpoPHOTO: REUTERS

During their meeting, Parly "affirmed the importance that France attaches to enhancing and strengthening partnership with Egypt at various levels, including the military and security levels," it added.
Military cooperation between Egypt and France has significantly increased since Sisi took office in 2014.

A handout picture released by the Egyptian PresidencyPHOTO: AFP

A visitor holds a weapon at the Saudi stand during on the first day of Egypt Defense ExpoPHOTO: AFP

The following year Egypt signed deals worth six billion euros to purchase 24 Rafale fighter jets from France, as well as other military hardware such as Mistral warships and missiles.

International human rights organisations have long accused Egypt of using weapons made in Europe against civilians to suppress opposition and activists, accusations Cairo has systemically denied.