In a celebration marked by camaraderie and shared aspirations, the Turkish Embassy in Cairo celebrated the 101st anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic. The event, held on Tuesday evening, brought together influential figures from both Turkish and Egyptian communities, embracing their shared histories and envisioning a promising future of bilateral relations.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Cairo, Salih Mutlu Şen, took centre stage with a speech underscoring his country’s notable achievements over its century-long journey. He highlighted the nation’s impressive growth in sectors such as industry, technology, culture, health, sports, and defence, crediting strong leadership under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Ambassador Şen echoed Türkiye’s commitment to”peace at home, peace in the world,” a tenet originally championed by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Addressing the pressing regional challenges, Ambassador Şen emphasised the need for a fair resolution to the Palestinian conflict, advocating for a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully.
He lauded Egypt’s vital role in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and maintaining regional peace, calling for urgent international action to alleviate Gaza’s dire humanitarian situation.
The event also accentuated the strong ties between Türkiye and Egypt, highlighted by collaborative efforts during President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to Ankara last month in which 17 agreements were signed. The ambassador said that these agreements aim to bolster cooperation in health, medical sciences, and other key sectors, fostering an environment conducive to mutual growth and development.
Ambassador Şen expressed enthusiasm over the burgeoning economic relationship between the two countries, aiming for a record trade volume of $9 billion this year, with long-term goals reaching $50 billion in fifty years. He highlighted the strategic advantages brought about by geographic proximity and Egypt’s strategic location, emphasising increased Turkish investments, particularly in the textile industry.
He added that cultural exchanges and tourism are set to thrive, with expectations of increased Turkish tourists visiting Egypt and vice versa.
Plans are underway to host cultural activities and events at the Turkish Embassy, featuring popular Turkish artists and TV stars, further nurturing mutual appreciation and cultural exchange, the ambassador said.
Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, praised the relentless efforts of Ambassador Şen to strengthen Egyptian-Turkish ties, acknowledging shared humanitarian efforts in Gaza as marking the dawn of enhanced bilateral relations.
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