Egypt voices aspiration for speedy return of Russian tourism after travel ban lifted

CAIRO – 8 July 2021: Egypt welcomes the Russian decision to lift the ban on charter flights to and from Egypt, after a presidential decree was issued by the Kremlin in this regard, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Egypt expresses its aspiration for the speedy return of Russian tourism to Egyptian resorts, the statement said, adding that this return would enhance bilateral cooperation in the tourism field between the two countries.

This comes especially in light of the precautionary measures and procedures taken by the Egyptian government to contain the coronavirus pandemic, the statement added.

“Egypt affirms that this decision reflects the strength of Egyptian-Russian relations at all levels, which are witnessing progress in various fields,” the statement added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier on Thursday lifted his country’s ban on charter flights to Egypt after six years of suspension due to a plane crash over Sinai.

The two countries agreed in April to resume flights in a call between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Putin.

Egypt’s charming resorts of Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada have been major tourist attractions to tourists worldwide, especially Russians before the plane crash.