Egypt confirms talks with Turkish delegation to be held May 5-6

By Iyad Nabulsi

CAIRO (AA) - Egypt confirmed early Wednesday that political consultations with Turkey will be held in the capital Cairo on May 5-6.

The talks will be led by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister and Ambassador Sedat Onal and his Egyptian counterpart Hamdi Sanad Loza, the Foreign Ministry said in a written statement.

"The exploratory talks will focus on necessary steps that may lead to normalization of relations between the two countries at the bilateral and regional context," it added.

On April 15, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced in a live broadcast that it was agreed that the channel first opened between Turkish and Egyptian intelligence would continue through the foreign ministries.

Cavusoglu said Egypt had invited the Turkish side for the visit in early May.

After the inter-delegations meeting, Cavusoglu said he could meet his Egyptian counterpart as well.

Turkey and Egypt have recently released statements on bilateral ties, suggesting a restoration of relations after more than seven years of political estrangement.

The two countries exchanged positive signals on establishing contacts and dialogue, including the possibility of holding talks to demarcate their maritime borders in the Eastern Mediterranean.​​​​​​​

*Writing by Jeyhun Aliyev from Ankara