Egypt and Türkiye called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and prisoners, and the unfettered delivery of humanitarian and medical aid to all parts of the Strip, in line with the UN Security Council resolutions.
A joint statement issued by the first meeting of the Türkiye-Egypt High Level Strategic Co-operation Council, co-chaired by Presidents Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday, referred to the flagrant and continuing Israeli violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, over 11 months, which led to the current humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip.
The two presidents also called for strong solidarity in Gaza reconstruction efforts and the immediate restoration of peace in the region to avoid further escalation. The leaders of the two countries expressed deep concern over the “illegal Israeli practices in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
They called upon the international community to support the efforts of the Palestinian National Authority to lift and confront the Israeli restrictions, policies and illegal practices, while enabling it to carry out its duties and responsibilities towards the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
The two sides also reiterated their firm support for the demands to end the Israeli occupation, and for the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent, sovereign state on the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In the meantime, Egypt and Türkiye reaffirmed joint commitment to achieving a lasting and comprehensive solution to the conflict in Syria, based on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2254. They stressed the importance of combating all forms of terrorism in the country, and stressed prime importance of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as humanitarian relief aid and early recovery projects for the Syrian people.
On Iraq, they stressed the importance of supporting the sovereignty and stability of the country, and voiced support for Baghdad’s efforts to achieve development and reconstruction.
The two presidents also expressed hopes for a political process in Libya, to be led by Libyans, with facilitation by the UN, with the aim of preserving the country’s security, stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity.
They also agreed on the importance of ensuring peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa, maintaining good neighbourly and friendly relations, as well as mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all African countries.
Referring to the Sudan, Cairo and Ankara expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in the country, which has led to devastating humanitarian repercussions throughout Sudan and the entire region. They also welcomed initiatives to resolve the crisis peacefully and support joint diplomatic efforts in this context.
At the bilateral level, the first meeting of the Türkiye-Egypt High Level Strategic Co-operation Council welcomed the signing of MoUs to bolster bilateral ties in almost all fields, including finance, environment and urbanisation, health, energy, joint projects, agriculture, civil aviation, communications and information technology, higher education, labour, and employment.
They have also decided to advance efforts to diversify and deepen co-operation, multifaceted co-ordination through developing the existing bilateral legal framework in all fields as appropriate.
The statement noted that the two countries will mark next year the 100th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.
They also voiced hopes of increasing bilateral trade to $15 billion, and increasing foreign direct investments. The two leaders agreed to carry on with promoting the investment climate for businessmen in both countries. They expressed commitment to encourage small enterprises and entrepreneurship, as well as promoting joint economic projects and investment opportunities.
Presidents Sisi and Erdogan stressed their readiness to continue political and diplomatic dialogue, expanding coordination in military, security and consular affairs.
Cairo and Ankara voiced hopes for more coordination on regional issues, in addition to building capabilities in Africa. They also stressed their intention to promote co-operation with the D-8 Organisation for Economic Co-operation.
Finally, Egypt and Türkiye reasserted their determination to sustain joint efforts to further bolster ties in all fields to serve the interests of the two friendly and brotherly peoples and the entire region.
