The Federal Republic and the Arab Republic of Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in the aviation sector.
The development followed a meeting between both countries in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, by Nigerian and Egyptian delegates culminating in a review of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) in line with the new Africa Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) BASA template for African countries.
Head of Press, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi, said in a statement that the signing was held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Describing the signing of the MoU as a historic milestone, Oluseyi said the signing signalled a new chapter of collaboration and shared prosperity between Nigeria and Egypt.
Minister of Aviation and aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo emphasised that the MoU reflects the mutual commitment of both nations to expand bilateral ties through aviation as a key driver of commerce, tourism and diplomacy.
Keyamo stated that the collaboration was expected to unlock new opportunities in technical cooperation, route expansion, and joint investment in civil aviation infrastructure across the continent.
While thanking the Egyptian delegation for their continued partnership, Keyamo added that the agreement was a strategic move towards regional integration, enhanced service delivery, and greater connectivity in Africa.
Responding, the Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria in all sectors, noting that both nations represent key pillars of stability and progress in Africa.
He further highlighted Egypt Air’s current operations, with over 600 flights annually to Lagos and Kano, and expressed a desire to increase frequency in response to high demand from travellers between both countries.
