MOSCOW (AP) - Russia's foreign minister says close cooperation with Egypt on security issues will help restore a direct air link to Egypt's Red Sea resorts.
Sergey Lavrov, speaking after Monday's talks with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, said that joint work on enhancing security had helped Egypt and Russia resume direct flights between Moscow and Cairo last month. The flights were suspended after a 2015 bombing that brought down a Russian passenger plane over the Sinai Peninsula.
Lavrov said the current level of security cooperation provides a "good foundation for future restoration of Russian flights to Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada."
The suspension of flights has decimated Egypt's tourism industry as the country relies heavily on the influx of Russian tourists.
The ministers also discussed further expansion of industrial and military ties between Russia and Egypt.
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(AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko). Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov prepares to take a question during his and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry joint news conference following the talks in Moscow, Russia, Monday, May 14, 2018. Russian an...
(AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko). Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reacts during his and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry joint news conference following the talks in Moscow, Russia, Monday, May 14, 2018. Russian and Egyptian officials ...
(AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko). Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry listens to a question during his and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov joint news conference following the talks in Moscow, Russia, Monday, May 14, 2018. Russian and Egyp...
(AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko). Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, right, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry enter a hall for the talks in Moscow, Russia, Monday, May 14, 2018. Russian and Egyptian officials agreed Monday to expand i...
(AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko). Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, right, welcomes Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry for the talks in Moscow, Russia, Monday, May 14, 2018. Russian and Egyptian officials agreed Monday to expand industria...