Putin’s visit to Egypt: will flights resume?

There is an opinion that the Egyptian side will raise the problem of opening Egypt to the residents of the Russian Federation with the restoration of air traffic between the two countries. There is a chance of Egypt being discovered in late 2017 or early 2018.

 

The Kremlin press service reports that “During the talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, issues of developing Russian-Egyptian relations in the political, trade, economic, energy and humanitarian spheres will be discussed.”

 

The Russian leader was last in Egypt in February 2015, before the tragedy with the A321 airliner Kogalymavia, its consequence was an absolute ban on flights to Egypt and the closure of resorts of this country for Russian tourists.

 

There are suggestions that the visit of the Russian head of state will play a major role in the resumption of air traffic, it became clear that the issue of opening Egypt is being solved at the highest political level. This was confirmed by the story with Turkey, when restrictions on charters were removed after a conversation between the heads of Turkey and Russia.

 

Experts believe that the ban is not related to real security in the air harbors of Egypt. Moscow has long sought certain preferences and concessions from Cairo related to military facilities. And they were all received. For example, the Russian government has published a draft agreement between the two countries, which provides for the common use of airspace and air bases of both countries. There is an opinion that the agreement will be valid for five years and can be extended.

 

Russia was able to purchase some bonuses: Egypt purchases from Russia up to 50 SSJ-100 aircraft, MiG-29 fighters and Ka-52K naval helicopters for the Mistrals. There is also an agreement on the supply of agricultural products: Egypt agrees to import chickens from Russia In addition, Egypt can begin to accept the payment of the bank card “Peace”.

 

Recently, Viktor Bondarev, Head of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, announced the possible signing of a document on the resumption of flights between the two countries. The agreement between Russia and Egypt on the use of airspace and airfield infrastructure of our countries can be signed in December. It is logical to start such projects from the beginning of the calendar year.” The official draws attention to the agreement of both parties on the main issues.

 

Photo: Turprom