Russia's President Vladimir Putin said he supported Egyptian military chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's bid for presidency before candidacy has been announced
Field Marshal Sisi, 59, rose to popularity after he ousted former president Mohamed Morsi last July.
Mr Morsi, who was the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, was the first democratically elected leader.
Field Marshal Sisi has been urged to run by armed forces and members of the public who opposed the Morsi government.
Mr Putin said: “I know you have decided to run for president.
“This is a very responsible decision, to take upon yourself responsibility for the fate of the Egyptian people.
“I wish you luck both from myself personally and from the Russian people.”
Earlier this month, a Kuwaiti newspaper quoted him as saying he would run in an election expected to be held in April.
Russia is currently negotiating an arms contract estimated to be worth $2bn with Egypt.
The US suspended some of its annual military assistance after the removal of Mr Morsi from government.
Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy said last year that Egypt would look beyond Washington and keep its "options" open to meet its security needs.
Reuters