Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that relations between Turkey and Egypt have been restored following a 12-year hiatus. Speaking to reporters upon his return from Egypt, Erdogan expressed optimism about the renewed cooperation between the two nations.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan stated, "Turkey and Egypt are two significant countries in the region. We lost contact for 12 years. The current visit to Egypt came at the persistent invitation of Mr. el-Sisi. I proposed to hold a high-level meeting of the Strategic Council, and the Egyptian side accepted this proposal. The foreign ministers of both countries will continue to maintain contacts further. Most likely, Mr. el-Sisi will visit Ankara in April or May for a reciprocal visit."
Erdogan highlighted the shared cultural and historical bonds between Turkey and Egypt, as well as the strategic importance of the Mediterranean Sea in the global balance. He emphasized that both countries recognize the benefits of aligning their policies and taking coordinated actions towards mutual growth and development.
The Turkish president acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead for both nations and the uncertainty surrounding future global developments. He stressed the necessity of continued cooperation to address these challenges effectively.
Erdogan's visit to Egypt took place on February 14th. The diplomatic estrangement between the two countries began following the ousting of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013, with diplomatic relations being restored at the diplomatic level in March 2021. The relationship between the two leaders improved significantly after their brief encounter at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar in November 2022.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS