The Egyptian question in the Russian-French rapprochement of the late 1880s - early 1890s

The article is dedicated to the study of the role of the Egyptian question in the Russo-French rapprochement of the late 1880s - early 1890s. It examines the state of international relations during the specified period and highlights Egypt’s place in the policies of the great powers. In particular, the article analyzes Egypt’s role in the relations between Paris and St. Petersburg. Additionally, it identifies other factors contributing to the rapprochement between Russia and France, including contradictions between the foreign policy interests of both countries and those of Great Britain and the personal ambitions of Russian Emperor Alexander III. These also include excerpts from diplomatic understandings between Russian Foreign Minister Giers, Russian Ambassador to Paris Mohrenheim, French Foreign Minister Ribot, and French Ambassador to St. Petersburg Montebello. The study emphasizes that such correspondence was instrumental in establishing diplomatic contacts between Russia and France because the Russo-French alliance was formalized through letters. This included the signing of the consultative pact and the ratification of the military convention. Thus, the article analyzes the process of concluding the alliance between Russia and France and its role in the Russo-French rapprochement in counterbalancing London’s ambitions in the Nile region and the Straits.