Egypt's foreign minister has said that the visit of the Russian foreign and defence ministers to Cairo is a positive message for Egypt and the region.

"The presence of the defence and foreign ministers, both at the same time, in Cairo is an important political message that reflects care, appreciation and respect for Egypt and its history, and eagerness to participate in determining its future," Fahmy said in an interview with Russia’s state-run Arabic language channel Russia Today on Tuesday, a day before the ministers are expected to arrive in Egypt.

The visit comes one month after the US suspended a part of its annual military aid to Egypt, including cash payments and the delivery of F-16 fighter jets, helicopters and tanks. The move came after two protest camps by supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi were forcefully dispersed by security forces, leaving hundreds of protesters dead.

Some have speculated that Egypt is searching for other military allies.

"It is not a change that implies substituting one party for another but a change that implies adherence and persistence to having more choices and ensuring multiple options for the Egyptian decision," Fahmy said, speaking of the foreign policy changes after Morsi's ouster.

The programme for the visit involves talks on weapons sale and political relations.

Egypt had close ties with Russia until a few years before president Anwar Sadat made peace with Israel in 1979, a deal which brought close military links with the US and substantial military aid.

"Egypt-Russia military relations did not stop for a second. We have bought weapons and fixed weapons in Russia since the 1970s, but to buy new weapons is a matter that needs studying," Fahmy said.

"The visit and discussion in such a format will be conducted for the first time in the history of our friendly relations (with Egypt)," Russian spokesman Alexander Lukashevich told AFP earlier this week.