Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the shared history of over a thousand years between Turkey and Egypt, expressing his hope for elevating bilateral relations to a respectable level.
During a joint press conference with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, President Erdogan added that Turkey sees the Egyptian side's willingness to enhance cooperation, and the cooperation between Egypt and Turkey has been elevated to the level of a high-level Strategic Cooperation Council.
President Erdogan also mentioned that he looks forward to President Sisi's visit to Ankara for the first meeting of the high-level Strategic Cooperation Council, which will mark a new phase in bilateral relations between the two countries. He expressed his happiness to be in Cairo after 12 years, thanking President Sisi and all Egyptians for their warm reception.
Regarding today's discussions with President Sisi, President Erdogan stated that they aimed to achieve a target of increasing bilateral trade to $15 billion at the earliest. He affirmed Turkey's intention to increase Turkish investments in Egypt by about $3 billion, noting that opinions were exchanged on the possibility of taking additional measures to enhance trade, economic cooperation, and cooperation in the energy sector, as well as strengthening cooperation in military and defense industries, in which Turkey has proven its strength.
President Erdogan expressed his wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured in the recent accident in Erzincan, Turkey, which resulted in the death of nine miners. He indicated that search operations are ongoing, with the Turkish Ministers of Energy and Interior assigned to oversee operations in the region.
President Erdogan also mentioned the presence of 349 specialists working in the city, along with 886 support teams and prepared tools, including 44 power generators and over 300 rescue machines and tools, along with 6 drones operating at the accident site, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to reach all citizens.
On another note, President Erdogan referred to Turkey's efforts to enhance ties with Egypt in tourism, education, and culture. He mentioned that the Yunus Emre Institute in Cairo is the largest branch of the institute in the world in terms of demand for learning the Turkish language. Last year, 22,000 Egyptian students were enrolled in this institute to learn the Turkish language, which is a source of pleasure.
Regarding the crisis in Gaza, President Erdogan affirmed that the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza was on the agenda of his discussions today with President Sisi. He pointed out that Israeli attacks have led to the deaths of more than 28,000 Palestinians and the injury of nearly 70,000 Palestinians. Mosques, churches, schools, hospitals, and UN buildings have been targeted, and Netanyahu's administration continues its policy of occupation, killing, and committing massacres, despite international reactions.
President Erdogan explained that delivering aid to the people of Gaza is one of their priorities. Turkey has sent over 31,000 tons of humanitarian aid, commending Egyptian efforts to deliver aid to the residents of the sector and the efforts of the Egyptian Red Crescent, the Egyptian Ministry of Health, and all Egyptian entities.
President Erdogan mentioned that Turkey has transported more than 700 injured Palestinians with their escorts to Turkey. Discussions are underway to establish a field hospital in Gaza, with the cooperation and support of Egyptians in the near future. He expressed his rejection of initiatives to displace the population of Gaza, emphasizing that they will never accept the ethnic cleansing of Gaza's population, expressing appreciation for Egypt's position on this matter as well.
Erdogan urged the Israeli Prime Minister to stop the massacres against the people of Gaza and to prevent those massacres from extending to Rafah as well, calling on the international community to intervene and not allow this insane behavior. He also affirmed that, in order to stop the bloodshed in Gaza, they will continue to cooperate with Egypt. He noted that the reconstruction of Gaza requires joint action, and they are ready to work with Egypt in this regard as well.
President Erdogan also mentioned that during his meeting with President Sisi, they discussed the Libyan, Somali, and Sudanese files, affirming their keenness on the unity, security, and stability of these three countries. He indicated their determination to continue coordinating and cooperating with Egypt in addressing and discussing all these global issues and matters.
In conclusion, Erdogan renewed his thanks to President Sisi, expressing his hope that this visit would be a means of good for both countries and for the region and the world as a whole.
