Egypt aims to double trade with Turkey to $15 billion: Shoukry to Erdogan

CAIRO – 20 April 2024: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry expressed Egypt's aspirations to enhance trade exchange with Turkey during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Saturday.

Shoukry stated that Egypt looks forward to increasing the current trade volume of $7 billion in 2023 to $15 billion in the coming years, marking a significant boost in economic cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting took place two months after Erdogan's visit to Egypt in February, which marked a significant turning point in the bilateral relations that had been strained for a decade.

Shoukry emphasized Egypt's keenness to witness an increase in the Turkish investment in the country.

Shoukry said his visit to Istanbul is part of the preparations for President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's anticipated visit to Turkey, upon Erdogan's invitation to hold the first Egyptian-Turkish high-level strategic council meeting.

Erdogan conveyed his greetings to President Sisi and expressed his eagerness to welcome the Egyptian president to Turkey as soon as possible.

Shoukry and Erdogan stressed the importance of cooperation between Egypt and Turkey in various fields to enhance bilateral relations.

Gaza ceasefire, regional issues

They discussed regional issues of mutual concern, with a particular focus on the crisis in Gaza.

Shoukry and Erdogan emphasized the urgent need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.

They also expressed their concerns about the potential consequences of any military operation in the Palestinian city of Rafah and highlighted the necessity of Egyptian-Turkish collaboration to prevent the spillover of conflicts.

Furthermore, Shoukry and Erdogan emphasized the importance of Egyptian-Turkish coordination in implementing international resolutions aimed at resolving the Libyan crisis.

In regards to the Syrian crisis, Shoukry emphasized the necessity of reaching a political settlement based on Resolution 2254 to ensure Syria's sovereignty, security, and stability.

The discussion also touched upon the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue.

Highlights on relations

Erdogan's visit to Egypt in February was his first official visit to the country since 2012, signaling the efforts of both nations to improve their relations after a decade of tensions.

Last year, Egypt and Turkey announced the elevation of their diplomatic relations, including the exchange of ambassadors, following rounds of exploratory talks.

Moreover, Egypt and Turkey have collaborated in delivering aid to Gaza, with Turkey sending significant amounts of aid to the war-torn region.

Turkey has dispatched medical personnel to provide healthcare services to the injured in Egypt's Al-Arish hospitals, accommodating Gaza patients and injured Palestinians.