Egypt and Turkey’s foreign ministers announced a ministerial meeting in Cairo to prepare for an upcoming Strategic Cooperation Council between their presidents, focusing on Gaza aid and regional stability. There is a commitment to boost bilateral trade and support Palestine’s reconstruction alongside discussions on several regional conflicts, including Syria, Somalia, and Libya.
Egyptian and Turkish foreign ministers announced the upcoming ministerial-level meeting in Cairo, set to lay the groundwork for a Strategic Cooperation Council meeting between Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the need for urgent recovery projects in Gaza, prioritizing clean water and medical care to maintain livability. He noted Turkey’s crucial role in Gaza’s reconstruction and revealed plans for an international conference on the subject.
During discussions that celebrated the centennial of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Turkey, both ministers expressed satisfaction with the recent positive developments in bilateral relations highlighted by a remarkable increase in bilateral trade, which soared to $8.8 billion in 2024. They are committed to enhancing the investment climate for private enterprises in each country, aiming to increase bilateral trade to $15 billion through intensified economic cooperation in various sectors.
The ministers welcomed the ceasefire agreement regarding Gaza, supporting efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to ensure its implementation. They urged the global community to increase humanitarian aid and called for international donor participation in the forthcoming Egyptian-hosted reconstruction conference. Emphasizing the crucial role of UNRWA in supporting Palestinian refugees, they urged Israel to reverse decisions that undermine its authority.
Expressing solidarity with the Palestinian populace, both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to uphold Palestinian rights against settlement activities and land annexation, advocating for a peaceful resolution based on international law and UN resolutions to establish a Palestinian state along the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
On the topic of Syria, the ministers asserted their commitment to its unity and territorial integrity, supporting a political process for the Syrian people and encouraging the dignified return of refugees. They also highlighted the necessity of addressing terrorism while maintaining cordial relations in the region.
Moreover, regarding Somalia, the ministers promised support for maintaining its sovereignty and stability. They also expressed grave concerns about the ongoing conflict in Sudan, commending efforts to establish humanitarian corridors. On Libya, they advocated for a politically-led process under UN guidance to preserve its integrity and stability.
Finally, there was a shared commitment to international counter-terrorism efforts, focusing on tackling the root causes and preventing the movement of terrorists across borders. They reiterated a stance of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism and those who support such acts.
The article discusses the recent diplomatic efforts between Egypt and Turkey, particularly in preparation for a high-level meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional issues, including the reconstruction of Gaza and various political concerns in adjacent countries. Given the complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, both nations are striving to enhance cooperation on humanitarian and economic fronts while affirming their stances regarding Palestine, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, and Libya.
In summary, the bilateral discussions between Egypt and Turkey highlight an era of improved relations marked by commitments to humanitarian aid, economic cooperation, and political stability in the region. The ministers’ dialogues set the stage for significant international collaboration, especially concerning Gaza’s reconstruction, affirming their dedication to resolving humanitarian issues while advancing trade and investment goals.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
