Turkey has underlined the need for coordination with Egypt on several important issues, pointing to ongoing discussions aimed at improving relations between the two countries.
Spokesman for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party Omer Celik said that his country and Egypt have work to do regarding bilateral relations, Libya and the Mediterranean.
The intelligence services in the two countries continue their talks on security issues, despite the rupture of relations between Ankara and Cairo, Celik said, adding: “The talks that started between our intelligence services have moved to the framework of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From now on, steps will be taken to enable us to focus on concrete issues through mutual discussions and consultations.”
His comments followed a meeting on Monday night of the Executive Committee of the ruling party headed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Last week, Erdogan said that his country wants to make the most of opportunities for cooperation with Egypt and to improve relations on the basis of mutual benefit.
“Our cultural relations are very strong, and we have solid historical ties with Egypt. We have great potential for cooperation in a wide range of fields, from the eastern Mediterranean to Libya,” the Turkish president stated.
He continued: “Talks that started with Egypt, first between the intelligence units on both sides, and then between officials from the two foreign ministries, have expanded and are ongoing. For us, there is no problem with the Egyptian and Turkish foreign ministers holding discussions on these issues.”
After a series of Turkish statements of rapprochement with Egypt, which were followed by contacts between the two countries’ intelligence services, a Turkish delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal visited Cairo on May 5-6.
A joint statement noted that the discussions touched on bilateral and a number of regional issues.
