Turkey has hinted that it may soon reinstate its ambassador to Egypt eight years after it reduced its diplomatic representation in the country in wake of its position from the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood’s rule in 2013.
Turkey had since harbored leading members of the group, which Egypt has banned as terrorist. It was also the headquarters of several television channels and media outlets that have dedicated themselves to incitement against Egypt and its leadership, resulting in the deterioration of relations.
On Tuesday, Ankara hosted “exploratory” talks with Egyptian officials with the aim of normalizing relations. A Turkish delegation had previously visited Cairo in May for the same goal. A statement at the time said talks were “constructive”.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the exchange of ambassadors with Egypt hinges on joint decisions taken by both sides in the future.
Further talks are set for Wednesday.
Turkish deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal and his Egyptian counterpart Hamdi Loza headed their country’s delegations at the talks.
Tuesday’s discussions covered bilateral relations, while Wednesday’s talks will cover positions on various regional affairs.
Diplomatic sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Tuesday’s meeting lasted around an hour and a half and addressed political, economic and trade relations between Ankara and Cairo.
Wednesday’s talks will cover the regional affairs, notably the situation in Libya and Syria and the demarcation of the maritime border in the Mediterranean.
The sources said the Egyptian delegation is committed to the conditions Cairo had stipulated previously regarding Turkey showing an actual commitment to refrain from meddling in the internal affairs of regional countries. It must respect international laws and address countries based on mutual interests.
Cavusoglu stated Turkey was ready to demarcate the maritime border if Egypt requested. “Egypt is set to gain greater maritime areas if it reaches an agreement with Turkey,” he remarked.
At the same time, he warned that any international agreement that excludes Turkey will be null and void. Ankara will not relinquish any of its rights and it has demonstrated this.
On Saudi Arabia, the FM said Turkey has no problem with Saudi Arabia. The recent phase has witnessed an “exaggeration” of some issues. Meetings between both sides are ongoing.
Cavusoglu revealed that he had met with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farahan on the sidelines of the Baghdad Cooperation and Partnership summit last month.
“We had met before that and held fruitful talks. Channels of communication are open between us,” he stressed.
“We believe that our relations with Saudi Arabia can return to the right path. The priority should be the normalization of ties and mutual steps should be taken to that end,” he remarked.
Moreover, Cavusoglu said Ankara has no problem with the United Arab Emirates, noting, however that “they had stood against Turkey. We never had a problem with the UAE. There is no such thing as permanent hostility or friendship in international relations.”
Similar to Saudi Arabia, he said ties can be normalized through taking mutual steps.
Contacts have been made and positive momentum is moving them forward, he added. If they continue along this path, the ties can move in the right direction.
