2024-08-07 23:18:26
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan concluded a two-day visit to Egypt, amid rising tensions in the region between Israel and Iran and the war in Gaza.
The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Turkey and Egypt, which is scheduled to culminate in a visit by Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Turkey soon.
Libya is a key issue on the cooperation agenda
Fidan’s visit to Egypt was not an ordinary visit, but rather carried important files, the most prominent of which was the Libyan file. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati confirmed during a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart that “the success of Egypt and Turkey in achieving security and stability in Libya is a model to be emulated for resolving disputes in the region.”
For his part, Fidan said that the region is witnessing a ring of fire, renewing his country’s support for the unity and stability of Libya and for holding presidential and parliamentary elections.
The statements of the two ministers reflect the importance of Libya in Turkish-Egyptian relations, and its consideration as one of the most important axes of cooperation between the two countries. This was confirmed by the Egyptian Foreign Minister’s emphasis on the necessity of reaching an agreement with Turkey and enhancing consultations between them on the Libyan file, in order to reach a solution with Libyan ownership that guarantees its unity.
Agree to hold presidential and parliamentary elections
Abdel-Ati confirmed that there is complete agreement with his Turkish counterpart on holding presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya as soon as possible and simultaneously, stressing Egypt’s aspiration for the withdrawal of foreign forces, mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libyan territory.
Accelerated steps towards cooperation
Fidan’s visit did not stop at Libya, but extended to include other important files. The Egyptian Foreign Minister pointed to a positive path witnessed by political, economic and trade relations between Egypt and Turkey, stressing the need to build on this path.
Turkey and Egypt announced the start of preparations for the first session of the Strategic Cooperation Council between the two countries at the level of the two countries’ presidents.
Fidan’s visit indicates a strong desire to revive relations between the two countries after years of disagreement, as Sisi’s upcoming visit to Turkey is the culmination of these steps towards joint cooperation, and comes in response to Erdogan’s visit to Egypt last February, the first in 12 years, which came after intensive efforts over the past three years.
Sisi and Fidan meeting
During his visit, Fidan met with Sisi in the city of El Alamein, west of Alexandria, in northern Egypt. He also met separately with the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, in the same city.
Tensions in the region
Fidan’s visit to Egypt comes amid rising tensions in the region, especially after the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week, in an assassination attributed to the occupation, which led to tension in Iranian relations with the Israeli occupation, and escalated threats of retaliation from Iran.
During the press conference, Fidan condemned the assassination of Haniyeh, describing it as a “despicable crime,” stressing the need to curb support for the occupation and urging it to stop the massacre in Gaza.
Source: Agencies.
2024-08-07 23:18:26