Cairo: Egypt is determined to strengthen 'constructive' cooperation with Trkiye, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Wednesday. Speaking at a joint press conference in Cairo with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Sisi said they stressed 'the need to continue developing and enhancing constructive cooperation' between Cairo and Ankara 'to reach sustainable political solutions that address the root causes of the crises' in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Egyptian leader emphasized the importance of increasing trade exchange to $15 billion and removing obstacles that may hinder achieving this goal. Sisi called for closer coordination and deeper cooperation among regional countries to ensure security and stability. He noted Egypt's significant trading relationship with Trkiye, highlighting that Egypt is Trkiye's leading trading partner in Africa, while Trkiye ranks among the top destinations for Egyptian exports. Several memoranda of understanding were signed between the two countries across various fields, Sisi mentioned.
Discussions also covered developments in Gaza, with Sisi affirming the importance of implementing the ceasefire agreement and rejecting any obstruction of the peace plan. Regarding Sudan, both leaders agreed on the importance of a humanitarian truce leading to a 'comprehensive peace agreement.' Sisi reiterated Egypt's support for Syria's unity and sovereignty, calling for enhanced stability in the Arab country.
The Egyptian and Turkish presidents also affirmed the importance of preserving Somalia's unity and sovereignty, rejecting any attempts to divide the country. Their talks included joint efforts to achieve stability in Libya, supporting the UN-led political process alongside a Libyan-led solution and respect for national institutions. The discussions addressed efforts to 'de-escalate tensions in the region, advance diplomatic solutions, and avert the specter of war,' particularly concerning the Iranian nuclear file and the region as a whole.
Sisi concluded by stressing the importance of ensuring global food and energy security, expressing Egypt's anticipation for the third meeting of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Ankara in 2028.