EgyptAir plays an important role in deepening ties between the Egyptian and Nigerian peoples, says Ambassador Ashraf Abdel-Qader. EgyptAir operates 17 weekly flights from Cairo to cities in Nigeria, the Egyptian ambassador in Abuja told MENA correspondent here on the sidelines of a reception held in honor of outgoing director of the Egyptian flag carrier's office in the Nigerian capital. Offering good services to Nigerians, EgyptAir has been successful in attracting many of them to board its planes over the past years, Abdel-Qader said, noting that EgyptAir did that despite the big competition by international and local airliners. Abdel-Qader said he is exerting strenuous efforts to further boost relations between Cairo and Abuja, pointing out that Nigeria is the biggest African country in terms of population. He said that Egyptian companies, such as Arab Contractors Co., also contribute to supporting those ties. Outgoing EgyptAir director in Nigeria Meharam Abdel-Rahman said that the Egyptian flag carrier was able for the first time this year to operate direct flights from Nigeria to Medina Monawara in Saudi Arabia. This is part of efforts to bolster its presence on the African air market, he noted.