Egypt’s FM says will visit Turkey in 2 days to continue normalization of relations

CAIRO – 11 April 2023: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said he will visit Turkey in two days to complete the path of normalization of relations that the two countries have started.

In a press conference on Tuesday with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in Athens, Shoukry said Egypt has positively responded to Turkey’s desire to normalize the Egyptian-Turkish relations.

Shoukry stressed that the normalization of Egyptian-Turkish relations will be based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect, non-interference in the internal affairs, achievement of peace and stability, and avoiding any actions that disturb regional peace.

The Turkish-Egyptian relations have experienced a comeback over the past period after a decade of tensions sparked by the ousting of former Muslim Brotherhood’s affiliated President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

Last month, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu revealed moves to upgrade diplomatic representation between Egypt and Turkey as he made his first visit to Cairo in a decade.

Cavusoglu said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may visit Egypt and meet with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during the coming period. 

“Restoring bilateral relations between both countries after a period of coldness requires a great effort and political will to regain momentum in relations,” Cavusoglu said. 

Late in February, Shoukry also made a visit to Turkey and Syria in the first visit by an Egyptian foreign minister in a decade in the wake of the devastating earthquake that hit both Syria and Turkey, killing over 50,000 people according to recent reports.

Shoukry was received by Cavusoglu in Adana Airport.

Later, Shoukry and Cavusoglu headed to Mersin port to receive Egypt’s sixth shipment of relief aid to Turkey as part of the Egyptian efforts to help deal with the consequences of the deadly earthquake.

During the visit, Shoukry offered condolences over the victims of the earthquake and affirmed solidarity of the Egyptian leadership, government and people with Turkey.

The Egyptian foreign minister also asserted continuity of Egyptian aid to support Turkey and its brotherly people.

The Egyptian and Turkish foreign ministers held a bilateral meeting in Adana and also took a helicopter tour to check the areas affected by the earthquake.