Russian Experts to Monitor Egyptian Airport Security?

Maksim Sokolov, Russian Minister of Transportation, announced on Monday through Russa-24 TV channel that his country wants to send Russian experts to Egypt’s airports on a permanent basis in order to monitor security procedures taking place at the airport, according to Ahram Online. This is to take place if the two countries are to resume flights as has been announced by Sputnik, Russian news agency.

This comes a week after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry made an announcement that both countries will be making joint efforts in the resumption of direct flights between them as soon as possible.

Sokolov also added that, upon his request, Russia is currently preparing for talks with Egypt’s aviation authorities. The final decision in regards to the resumption of flights is up to “Russia’s political leadership."

Russian Ministry of Transportation officials had met at the beginning of this year with their Egyptian counterparts to discuss the Russian authorities’ requests about enhancing security procedures in Egyptian airports, according to Arabi21.

According to Sokolov, Russia is currently awaiting Egypt’s application of the former’s requirements and its confirmation by Egyptian authorities, after which specialists and experts will head to Egypt to ensure that this has been accurately applied, according to Al-Watan.

After the crash of Russian airplane on October 31^st in Sinai, killing 224 passengers, Russia suspended flights to the country for security concerns.