Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he sensed a great welcome from the leaders of the Gulf countries to normalize relations with Egypt and upgrade diplomatic representation.
In Friday’s statements to journalists who accompanied him on his Gulf tour that included Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, Erdogan said that the Gulf leaders welcomed the recent announcement of Egypt and Turkiye to upgrade their diplomatic relations to the level of ambassadors.
He indicated that during his private meetings with the leaders during his visits to the Gulf countries, he sensed that the step taken regarding Egypt was widely welcomed.
On 4 July, Egypt and Turkiye started resuming their diplomatic relations.
Both countries downgraded their diplomatic ties and expelled the ambassadors in 2013 after Turkiye slammed Egypt for ousting late President Mohamed Morsi.
Cairo and Ankara announced that diplomatic relations had been raised to the level of ambassador within the framework of implementing the decision of the presidents aiming to establish normal relations between the two countries again.
The step reflects Egypt and Turkiye’s joint determination to boost their bilateral relations for the benefit of the Egyptian and Turkish peoples.
The normalization of Egyptian-Turkish relations began in 2021 with meetings at the level of intelligence services and then exploratory talks at the level of deputy foreign ministers after Egypt’s Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Turkiye’s Erdogan shook hands on the sidelines of the opening of the World Cup in Qatar.
Erdogan said that he talked with Sisi for about 30 to 45 minutes.
The Turkish earthquake in February constituted a new push for relations, especially after the visit of Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to the stricken areas.
Sisi also called Erdogan in solidarity, and the two foreign ministers exchanged visits.
Last month, Sisi called Erdogan, congratulating him on winning the presidential elections and being reelected for a new term.
Erdogan said that ministers and businessmen are developing relations with Egypt, pointing out that ties will grow very differently.
The Turkish president added that developing relations with Egypt will enhance the country’s economic potential.
Media outlets reported that Sisi is set to visit Turkiye last of July.
Turkish ambassador to Egypt, Salih Mutlu Sen, said that the Egyptian president’s visit to Turkiye had already been decided between the governments, referring to the start of a new era of cooperation.
However, Sen said in statements that the visit will take place at the appropriate time and that the two sides will continue to work on the summit program and the agenda.
Erdogan had recently invited Sisi to visit Turkiye. However, the visit date is yet to be determined, as the Egyptian president is participating in the Russia-Africa Summit, which will be held in St. Petersburg, Russia, on July 27 and 28.
The Turkish ambassador said that the relations between Egypt and Turkiye are based on mutual trust and respect.
He pointed out that trade exchange volume between the two countries amounts to $9.7 billion.
