Türkiye’s Ambassador in Cairo Salih Mutlu Şen expects the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), to see high-level Turkish attendance.
He also predicted GEM would significantly help boost the tourism industry, including from Turkey, hailing it as ” a gift to global heritage”.
Şen made the remarks during the celebration held at his residence to celebrate the 102nd anniversary of founding the Republic of Türkiye.
The celebrations are of special significance for Egypt and Türkiye which mark this year the 100th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations, he said.
Under the leadership of Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Abdel Fattah El Sisi, bilateral ties have expanded and deepened in recent years across trade, tourism, culture, and the arts, he said.
Şen highlighted the rapid progress in bilateral political relations, citing high-level visits: President Erdoğan visited Egypt three times over the past 18 months, an unprecedented frequency. President Sisi visited Türkiye in September 2024 for the inaugural High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting, co-chaired by both leaders.
The next council meeting is slated for early 2026, with President Erdoğan expected to visit Cairo.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Şen lauded Egypt’s hosting of the recent Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh and referenced the “Trump Declaration for Lasting Peace and Prosperity,” signed by Egypt, Türkiye, the US, and Qatar.
He described it as a vital step towards ending more than two years of war, suffering, and oppression experienced by the Palestinian people in Gaza. He also affirmed Ankara’s commitment to coordinated efforts with Egypt, the US, and Qatar in this respect.
Şen reiterated Türkiye’s readiness for the reconstruction of Gaza, as well as delivering emergency humanitarian aid. He also voiced confidence in Egypt’s full co-operation in this respect.
He confirmed Turkey’s active participation in the upcoming Gaza Reconstruction Conference hosted by Egypt.
Şen extended warm congratulations to Professor Dr. Khaled El-Enany, who were present at the festival, on his election as UNESCO Director-General, backed by 55 of 57 member states. He voiced confidence in El-Enany’s leadership for Africa, the Arab world, and Mediterranean nations, pledging Türkiye’s unwavering support.
Highlighting Türkiye’s 22 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Şen stressed the organisation’s critical role.
