Egyptian defense minister heads to Russia presiding over high-profile delegation

CAIRO – 22 August 2021: Minister of Defense and Military Production Mohamed Zaki headed Sunday to the Russian Capital, Moscow, presiding over a high-profile delegation that is holding an official visit taking place for a few days.

According to a press statement, the purpose of the visit is attending the Seventh Meeting of the Joint Egyptian-Russian Military Committee where matters of mutual interest, and military cooperation will be discussed.     

On August 9, direct flights between Russia and Egypt's resort cities resumed after a 6-year ban was lifted. It was imposed in the first place after a passenger plane carrying Russian tourists had crashed over Sinai Peninsula.

The first plane carried 517 Russian passengers, and landed in Sharm El Sheikh International Airport.

On Saturday, Egypt's Ambassador to Moscow Ehab Nasser said that 60 flights will be operational weekly from Russia to each of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh Red Sea resorts as of August 27.

At a press conference, the Egyptian diplomat said "Egypt warmly welcomes the return of Russian tourists to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, and it is very important to the tourism business organizations and the industry".