Egypt, Azerbaijan consider launching regular direct flights, envoy says

Regular direct flights between Cairo and Baku could be launched in the near future, Egypt's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Hossam El Din Effat Mostafa Reda, said during a reception marking the 74th anniversary of Egypt's National Day.

The ambassador noted that he hopes — and he is almost certain — that the shared aspirations to launch regular direct flights between Cairo and Baku will soon become a reality, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“This will provide an important foundation for the further development of bilateral relations," the diplomat added.

According to the ambassador, the introduction of direct air links would help boost cooperation between the two countries in tourism, trade, culture and business.

Reda further stated that Egypt continues to work toward making the country more accessible to Azerbaijani citizens. Azerbaijani nationals can currently obtain visas on arrival at all entry points into Egypt, rather than only in Sharm El-Sheikh.

At the same time, the diplomat expressed hope that similar visa facilitation measures would eventually be extended to Egyptian citizens visiting Azerbaijan.

Speaking about humanitarian cooperation, Reda made it clear that many Azerbaijanis have heard of Egypt but do not know the country particularly well.

"Almost every Azerbaijani I meet says, 'Of course, we know Egypt.' However, as the conversation continues, we usually arrive at the same conclusion: people have heard a lot about Egypt, but they do not truly know it," he remarked.

In this regard, the ambassador announced the launch of a broad initiative through the Egyptian Embassy and cultural center aimed at promoting various aspects of Egyptian life and culture.

"I hope that by the end of my time in Baku, our peoples will know each other much better. I firmly believe that mutual understanding is a necessary condition for successful business and shared prosperity," the diplomat stressed.

Reda also highlighted the strong interest shown by the Azerbaijani public in the live broadcast of the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which was held at the Heydar Aliyev Centre in November last year.

In his words, the event was made possible thanks to the support of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and the assistance of Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov