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New prime minister Theresa May has discussed efforts to improve security at Sharm el Sheikh airport with the president of Egypt.
The subject was part of talks over a new chapter in bilateral relations between the UK and Egypt with Egyptian president Sisi.
Flights from the UK to the Red Sea resort’s airport have been suspended since last November after a Russian Metropjet Airbus A321 from Sharm el-Sheikh was blown out of the sky killing all 224 passengers and crew.
May discussed the current suspension of UK flights to Sharm el Sheikh airport in a phone call with president Sisi.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The prime minister said she recognised the economic effects of the suspension, given the importance of the tourism industry to Egypt’s economy, and she praised the Egyptian government’s ongoing efforts to improve security at Sharm el Sheikh airport.
“The prime minister said the government would continue working closely with the Egyptian government on this important issue.”
The two leaders spoke about the security situation in the Middle East and the May said she recognised that Egyptian prosperity and stability was vital to the region.
She “noted that the UK is the largest foreign direct investor in Egypt and said the UK would do everything possible to support expansion of the Egyptian economy and further investment,” the Downing Street spokesman added.
“The leaders concluded by once again expressing a wish to open a new chapter in bilateral relations and said they looked forward to meeting in the future.”
Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice continues to advise against all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm el Sheikh and British Airways has suspended all flights indefinitely.
In June, Thomson and First Choice cancelled further flights to Sharm el Sheikh until April 30, 2017 and services to Luxor until the end of October.
However, the Tui UK & Ireland operators said a reduced number of flights remain unchanged and are scheduled to depart to Sharm el Sheikh from September 29 should the FCO travel advice change.
Thomas Cook flights to Sharm el Sheikh have been cancelled until February 6, 2017.
Monarch hopes to be able to resume flights from October 30 for the winter season should the FCO advice be relaxed.