Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak (R) shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Abdeen Presidential Palace in Cairo April 26, 2005. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak (R) talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Abdeen Presidential Palace in Cairo April 26, 2005. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

    CAIRO, April 26 (Xinhuanet) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived here on Tuesday afternoon to start a two-day official visitto Egypt, the first by a Russian or Soviet leader in 40 years.

    Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will hold a short talk with Putin after his arrival and meet with him again on Wednesday morning, according to Egypt's official MENA news agency.

    Talks are expected to focus on bilateral relations and the latest developments in the Middle East, especially the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

    The two leaders will also witness the signing of a number of bilateral agreements.

    Putin will travel to Israel on Wednesday for a two-day visit, the first ever by a Russian leader, and then to the Palestinian territories on Friday to meet with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

    Russia is a member of the so-called Quartet of international mediators for Mideast peacemaking, which also includes the United States, the United Nations and the European Union. Enditem