Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday at talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry that they had agreed to make efforts on resuming direct flights between Russia and Egypt in the shortest possible period of time. Lavrov added at a news conference that flights would be resumed if the highest level of security was provided. Shoukry told Russian news agency Sputnik on Monday that the security experts had expressed satisfaction with the work done to ensure security at three major Egyptian airports, in full cooperation with, and acting on recommendations made by, Russian inspectors. "We are providing maximum assistance and support to the Russian and Egyptian experts working on [air travel] security. The Egyptian people are waiting for a positive signal from the Russian side on the possibility of restoring this vital area for the Egyptian economy," Shoukry said. Addressing Russian lower house of parliament lawmakers, the Egyptian diplomat noted that 4 million Egyptians employed in the tourist sector are looking forward to hosting Russian holidaymakers. Last month, Egyptian Tourism Minister Hisham Zazou estimated the loss of Russian and British tourists following the deadly Russian-operated plane crash over Sinai last fall was costing the Egyptian tourism sector $300 million a month. http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/192092.aspx
