Egyptian and Turkish foreign ministers convened to prepare for a Strategic Cooperation Council meeting, emphasizing Gaza aid and regional stability. They discussed enhancing economic relations, projected to increase trade significantly. Both nations supported Palestinian rights and stressed commitments to political solutions in Syria and Libya, while advocating international cooperation against terrorism.
In Ankara, Egyptian and Turkish foreign ministers announced a forthcoming ministerial meeting in Cairo to prepare for the Strategic Cooperation Council session, which will involve Presidents Erdogan and Al-Sisi. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the need for urgent aid projects in Gaza, including providing clean water and medical services, to ensure the region remains livable. He noted Turkey’s critical support for Gaza’s reconstruction and Egypt’s plan to host an international conference on this matter.
During his visit to Ankara, Abdelatty met with President Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. They discussed the positive direction of bilateral relations, bolstered by a significant trade increase to $8.8 billion in 2024. Both ministers pledged to create a more favorable investment landscape and set a goal to boost trade to $15 billion by enhancing cooperation, especially in industry.
Discussing the Gaza conflict, the ministers welcomed the ceasefire and prisoner exchanges while emphasizing the need for increased humanitarian aid. They supported rebuilding efforts in Gaza without displacing Palestinians and encouraged international donors to participate in Egypt’s upcoming reconstruction conference. They reaffirmed their support for the UNRWA’s role in assisting Palestinian refugees.
The ministers condemned actions that undermine Palestinian rights and insisted on a peaceful resolution based on international law, leveraging frameworks such as the two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state. On the Syrian front, they committed to its territorial integrity while advocating for the political process and the return of refugees.
Regarding Somalia, the ministers supported its government and pledged aid for unity and stability. They expressed concern for the Sudan conflict’s humanitarian impact while commending the establishment of humanitarian corridors. In Libya, they backed a UN-led political process ensuring Libya’s national integrity.
Lastly, they reinforced their collective stance against terrorism, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach toward terrorist activities and cross-border movements that threaten regional stability.
The meeting of Egyptian and Turkish foreign ministers reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations, particularly in light of regional conflicts such as those in Gaza, Syria, and Libya. Their discussions also touch upon humanitarian efforts and political commitments essential for long-term stability in the Middle East. The push for a reconstruction conference in Gaza illustrates the importance of international collaboration in response to humanitarian crises in the region. In this context, both nations are keen on addressing issues of sovereignty, support for Palestinian rights, and cooperative efforts in counter-terrorism, underlining the significance of a united front in regional security and governance matters.
The discussions between Egypt and Turkey mark a significant development in regional diplomacy and humanitarian efforts, notably in Gaza. The ministerial meeting aims to solidify economic ties and facilitate reconstruction initiatives. Additionally, the commitment to addressing broader regional challenges, including the situations in Syria and Libya, highlights the importance of persistent international collaboration in promoting peace and stability. Counter-terrorism efforts remain a priority, focusing on both immediate and underlying causes.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
