Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed the security of the country's airports in a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue held in Rome on Friday. Shoukry discussed the measures taken by Egypt at airports to provide safety for Egyptians and foreigners, especially Russians, ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a statement, and both stressed their keenness to resume direct flights between Egypt and Russia as soon as possible. Egypt has been implementing tighter security measures at its airports since a Russian passenger flight crashed shortly after taking off from Sharm El-Sheikh airport in October 2015, killing all on board. Russia suspended passenger flights to Egypt shortly after the crash. Egypt's and Russia's foreign minister also discussed bilateral relations and regional issues, including counter-terrorism efforts, and Lavrov extended his condolences for the terrorist attack on Rawda mosque in North Sinai last week, reiterating his country's support for Egypt in the fight against terrorism. Armed militants killed 311 worshippers, including 27 children, during the attack on the mosque last Friday. Both Lavrov and Shoukry also stressed the significance of bilateral relations and the bilateral partnership on many levels, as well as the continuing consultation and coordination on regional crises. The two foreign ministers also reviewed the situation in Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon, Abu Zeid said. source: Reuters
