Relations between Russia and Egypt appear to be back on track, especially now that direct flights between their capitals have been re-established after 2½ years. The two countries have finally overcome their “common trauma,” as the events around a 2015 terror attack over the Sinai Peninsula came to be called in Egypt.
Aeroflot’s first flight to Egypt since the tragedy departed for Cairo on April 11, and the passengers received flowers as a greeting gift. The next day, an EgyptAir flight landed in Moscow. The plane, which was unveiled to the public in March, belongs to Egypt’s national soccer team and was deliberately chosen to celebrate the resumption of flights before Moscow hosts the 2018 FIFA World Cup in June.