Sisi congratulates Putin on re-election

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Thu, 22 Mar 2018 - 02:00 GMT

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Thu, 22 Mar 2018 - 02:00 GMT

Sisi and Putin on November 19, 2015, Egypt and Russia signed an initial agreement under which Russia will build and finance Egypt’s first nuclear power plant in the city of Dabaa – Press photo

Sisi and Putin on November 19, 2015, Egypt and Russia signed an initial agreement under which Russia will build and finance Egypt’s first nuclear power plant in the city of Dabaa – Press photo

CAIRO – 22 March 2018: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday on the occasion of his re-election for a new presidential term, wishing prosperity and progress for the Russian people.

"The Egyptian president hailed the strategic relations between Egypt and Russia and the two countries' keenness to strengthen ties that serve the interests of the two friendly nations," the statement released by the presidency read.

Putin won Russia's presidential election, which was held on Sunday, by claiming 73.9 percent of the votes. He extended his rule over the world's largest country for another six years.

In November, Russia’s government published a draft agreement between Russia and Egypt allowing both countries to use each other’s air bases for military purposes.

On December 11, Putin visited Egypt for the second time since Sisi was sworn into office in May 2014.

The visit showed increasing interest from the Kremlin to boost cooperation with Egypt after bilateral relations were knocked by the plane crash.

Asked about the return of direct flights to Egypt, Putin said, “The Russian security services have reported to me that, on the whole, we are ready for opening the direct air link between Moscow and Cairo ... This would require signing a corresponding intergovernmental protocol.”

The return of Russian flights and tours could be a massive boost to tourism. Some 5.3 million tourists were recorded visiting Egypt in 2016, compared to 14.7 million visitors in 2010. Experts say that the industry is recovering gradually.

Russian authorities stated on Saturday that flights between Cairo and Moscow will resume in late March or early April, according to Sputnik.

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