UDPATE 2 - 'Türkiye, Egypt taking concrete steps to raise diplomatic ties'

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS OF TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER

By Diyar Guldogan and Mahmoud Barakat

ANKARA (AA) – Türkiye and Egypt agree on improving bilateral ties and raising diplomatic relations to the highest level, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday.

“We are taking concrete steps to raise representation to the level of embassies. In the coming period, we will inform you with a joint statement,” Cavusoglu said at a news conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry in the capital Ankara.

“Until then, we will continue to take some steps. I would like to say that there is no problem.”

Diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Egypt have been at the level of charges d’affaires since 2013.

During his March 18 visit to Cairo, the first by a Turkish foreign minister in 11 years, Cavusoglu said the two countries were looking to raise diplomatic relations to the highest level “as soon as possible.”

Apart from diplomatic ties, Cavusoglu and Shoukry held talks on bilateral cooperation in various areas, including energy and tourism, as well as regional issues such as Syria and Libya.

Türkiye and Egypt have opened a “new page” and want to fill it in with “joint projects and success stories,” said Cavusoglu.

He added that enhancing relations with Cairo will also contribute to the region.

Türkiye will work more closely with Egypt on Libya, he said.

On the situation in Syria, he added: “Permanent peace and stability in Syria is important to all of us. For this, serious steps must be taken. We agree on this and we will work in close cooperation.”

Regarding energy ties, Cavusoglu said Türkiye is the biggest market for Egypt’s LNG exports.

“We want to start receiving this directly, not from the spot market, but directly through an agreement between our BOTAS (Turkish Petroleum Pipeline Company) and the Egyptian company,” he said.

- ‘Rapid pace of contact’

Shoukry said his talks with Cavusoglu were centered on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in the political, economic, and cultural spheres.

“We agreed to continue this rapid pace of contact and communication which benefits us,” he said.

He said both sides agreed on a “specific timeframe” for raising diplomatic ties, adding that it will be announced “at the appropriate time in preparation for a president-level summit that will mark the culmination of the journey we have started.”

Regarding the situation in Libya, he said both Türkiye and Egypt “have a common desire to work for free and fair elections” that bring about a government which represents the Libyan people’s will.

On collaboration in the energy sector, Shoukry said Türkiye is the largest importer of energy from Egypt, adding that Cairo is keen to increase cooperation in this field.

On the Palestinian cause, Shoukry lauded Türkiye for its active role in their “righteous struggle” against “Israeli aggression.”

He reiterated Egypt’s support for a two-state solution to the Palestine-Israel issue.

After the news conference, Cavusoglu drove Shoukry to his official residence in a Togg, Türkiye’s first locally made electric car, for iftar, the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily fast in Ramadan.