Egypt, Turkey’s FMs address efforts to achieve ceasefire in Gaza

CAIRO- 5 August 2024: In a joint press conference held in Cairo-based Al Tahrir Palace with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said that both Ministers addressed the latest developments in Egypt's efforts to achieve a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

He explained that both ministers emphasized the importance of preventing an escalation in the West Bank due to provocative settlement policies. Abdelatty also condemned the policy of political assassinations, which he said Egypt fully denounces.

Abdelatty stated that his Turkish counterpart’s visit aims to strengthen relations, cooperation, and coordination between the two countries to benefit their peoples. He highlighted that such visits, including that of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, play a significant role in bolstering regional cooperation and stability.

The Egyptian Minister Egypt and Turkey have the potential to uphold security and stability and ensure a prosperous future for their peoples.

The two ministers also addressed how to enhance bilateral relations and discussed the regional impact of the Gaza conflict, including the serious risks associated with the current Israeli escalation.

For his part, Fidan criticized Israel, asserting that the assassination of key Palestinian negotiator Ismail Haniyeh indicates that Netanyahu is intent on destroying the entire region and is not genuinely committed to reaching an agreement with the Palestinians. He noted that the US Congress welcomed Netanyahu and extended him a vote of support, adding that legislative bodies should not serve as platforms for war criminals.

He commended Egypt for its role in delivering aid to Gaza and expressed gratitude for allowing Turkey to send 56,000 tons of humanitarian aid to the region, making Turkey the leading contributor. Fidan also accused Israel of being displeased with this aid because it aims to further harm Palestinians who have already survived the violence.

He called for an end to the massacres in Gaza and affirmed Turkey's decision to support justice, highlighting its ongoing efforts to pursue the International Criminal Court's proceedings and the arrest warrant against Netanyahu.

The discussions also covered the severe situation in Gaza, Sudan, Libya, the Red Sea, regional issues, combating terrorism, and efforts to de-escalate regional conflicts.

Abdelatty emphasized the need to strengthen consultations on the Libyan issue. He stated that stability and enhanced security are fundamental for resolving existing differences. Both parties have agreed on the importance of maintaining Libya's unity and holding presidential and parliamentary elections to restore the country's stability.

They also discussed the Syrian crisis and welcomed Turkey's readiness to work towards resolving differences with Syria.

He also noted that they addressed the situations in Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, and the Red Sea, reaching a consensus on strategies to prevent regional escalation.

Additionally, they covered cooperation on the African continent, the Renaissance Dam, the precarious situation in the Horn of Africa, and Egypt’s firm stance against any threats to Somalia’s unity. He emphasized the importance of preserving Somalia’s unity.

The Strategic Council

Abdelatty said that the bilateral discussions with Fidan included scheduling the first meeting of the Strategic Council, which will be led by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. They also talked about issues of mutual interest and coordination between the two presidents, with plans for extended meetings to further strengthen these relations.

Abdelatty noted that Egypt is Turkey's top trade partner in Africa. He mentioned that he and his Turkish counterpart agreed to intensify efforts to achieve a trade exchange target of $15 billion, stating, "The Egyptian and Turkish economies can reach this goal. We have agreed to boost cooperation by encouraging Turkish companies to enter the Egyptian market."

He added that he discussed with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan the results of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's positive visit to Egypt last February, saying that it contributed to strengthening bilateral cooperation to achieve the interests of the two friendly countries and peoples.

He continued that the two parties are preparing for the upcoming summit between the two presidents and remove any obstacles by preparing agreements and understandings.

He added: "Until the Strategic Council is launched, there will be multiple meetings between the two countries to ensure the success of the first session of the Council, explaining that the discussions included talking about enhancing investments and ways to strengthen relations to reach $15 billion.”

For his part, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that Turkey eagerly anticipates President Sisi’s visit to Turkey at the earliest opportunity.

During the press conference Fidan stated that his country will work with Egypt to enhance the relations using all our capabilities, and advance cooperation with Egypt in the educational and cultural fields.

Fidan is on a two-day visit to Egypt, which began on Sunday. During his visit, he met with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, to discuss ways to strengthen relations between the Arab League and Turkey in political, economic, and other areas moving forward.