Turkish President Erdogan to meet Egyptian counterpart in Cairo today

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi held a joint press conference in Cairo, where they discussed recent developments in the Middle East.

During the conference, both leaders condemned ceasefire violations in Gaza, following a series of Israeli attacks. They also urged the full implementation of the US-backed plan to end Israel’s conflict with the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Erdogan stated that the Palestinian cause was a priority for him and Egypt during his visit. He noted that Turkey and Egypt would continue to coordinate on peace efforts in Gaza, where recent violence has resulted in 23 deaths, including children.

The leaders also discussed broader international issues, including concerns over Iran, Sudan, and Somaliland. They emphasized the need for a truce and a comprehensive peace agreement to end Sudan’s civil war.

Erdogan expressed support for diplomacy as a means of resolving disputes, citing his country’s efforts to mediate between the US and Iran on nuclear program issues. He also criticized Israel’s recognition of Somaliland last year, stating that it was a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.

The two leaders signed several bilateral agreements covering defense, health, agriculture, and trade, according to Turkish state news agency Anadolu. They discussed plans to increase trade between the two countries to $15 billion and remove obstacles hindering this goal.

Erdogan’s visit to Egypt followed a trip to Saudi Arabia the previous day, where he aimed to strengthen economic and energy cooperation. This marked Erdogan’s first visit to Saudi Arabia in over two years, following strained relations after the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Source: Al Jazeera