Egypt and Türkiye Agree on Regional Issues, Pledge to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Asharq Al-Awsat

05-02-2025

Egypt and Türkiye reiterated their commitment to boosting bilateral relations and coordinating closely on key regional issues, including securing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, ending hostilities in Sudan, stabilizing the Horn of Africa, supporting political processes in Libya and Syria, and combatting terrorism.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan received in Ankara on Tuesday his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty.
Fidan stressed the importance of Egyptian-Turkish cooperation, stating: 'Collaboration between Türkiye and Egypt is essential. Our partnership will contribute to the prosperity of our peoples and the stability of the region.'
He added: 'We are working closely with Egypt to end the conflict in Sudan before Ramadan. We also share a common vision on ensuring Libya's stability and are in discussions about fostering peace in the Horn of Africa.'
Speaking at a press conference in Ankara, Abdelatty described his talks with Fidan as extensive and constructive, particularly regarding Sudan, where both sides agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire, the priority of a political solution, preserving the country's sovereignty and supporting efforts to restore stability and peace.
He briefed Fidan on his recent visits to Port Sudan and Egypt's ongoing efforts to safeguard Sudan's unity and territorial integrity.
Discussions also covered developments in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, with both ministers stressing their commitment to preserving Somalia's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Fidan briefed Abdelatty on Türkiye's latest mediation efforts between Somalia and Ethiopia, hoping the negotiations between the two countries would resume this month in a way that supports Somalia's stability and territorial integrity.
The talks also addressed water security, which Abdelatty described as an existential issue for Egypt.
He emphasized Egypt's strong desire to deepen cooperation with Türkiye, expand bilateral ties and contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East. 'We will continue working together in ways that serve the interests of our two nations and promote security and stability in the region and across Africa,' he stated.
He also announced ongoing preparations for the second meeting of the High-Level Strategic Council between Egypt and Türkiye, following its inaugural meeting during Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's visit to Ankara on September 4. The next meeting is set to take place during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Egypt next year.
Abdelatty and Fidan also discussed energy and tourism cooperation, with the Egyptian FM highlighting a notable increase in tourism between their countries.
At the conclusion of the visit, Egypt and Türkiye issued a joint statement, underscoring their commitment to strategic cooperation and addressing bilateral relations and regional issues of mutual interest.
The statement emphasized both countries' endeavor to improving the investment climate for private sector investors and pledged to increase trade volume to $15 billion through enhanced economic and industrial cooperation.
Both nations welcomed the ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange deal in Gaza, commending the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States. They also reiterated their commitment to ensuring the full implementation of the agreement.
Furthermore, the two ministers underscored the importance of maintaining the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), emphasizing that its role in supporting Palestinian refugees in the occupied territories is indispensable. They urged Israel to reverse any measures that undermine UNRWA's operations.