Egyptian FM thanks Türkiye for 'warm welcome' to Salah

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Thursday thanked the Turkish people for the "warm welcome" extended to star striker Mohamed Salah following his move to Trabzonspor. Abdelatty hosted Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Cairo for wide-ranging talks covering bilateral relations and regional security, according to Anadolu Agency.

Football diplomacy and trade targets

"We thank the Turkish people for the warm welcome extended to star player Mohamed Salah of Trabzonspor, which has touched our hearts," Abdelatty said at a joint news conference. The ministers discussed boosting economic ties under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council chaired by their presidents and the Joint Planning Group they co-chair, with bilateral trade at $9 billion and both sides targeting $15 billion. Abdelatty called for more effective use of the free trade agreement to create opportunities in industry, energy, transportation and renewable energy while welcoming Turkish companies' growing presence.

Gaza Peace Plan and regional stability

Abdelatty said Egypt and Türkiye agree on the need to implement the second phase of the Gaza Peace Plan, stressing that Palestinian groups have acted responsibly regarding the handover of weapons. "The Palestinian groups in Gaza have acted responsibly with respect to laying down their arms and beginning the political process. Israel must also fulfill its obligations," he said.

He condemned any obstruction of the second phase implementation and called on Israel to allow 600 trucks of humanitarian aid daily into Gaza while rehabilitating hospitals. Abdelatty also condemned Israeli attacks on Syria's sovereignty, stating that Cairo rejects all violations against Palestinian territories in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and opposes settlement expansion.

Libya unification and Sudan conflict

The ministers addressed developments in Libya, with Abdelatty emphasizing the importance of joint efforts to unify state institutions and remove foreign fighters and mercenaries. Ending divisions in Libya's executive authority could pave the way for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections, he noted.

On Sudan, Abdelatty said Cairo and Ankara fully agree on preserving Sudan's territorial integrity and achieving a ceasefire followed by an inclusive political process led by the Sudanese people. "There is no military solution in Sudan," he said, warning that weapons smuggling to militias is escalating the conflict and stressing that the Sudanese army and state institutions should not be equated with militia groups.

Defense pact and Black Sea grain

Abdelatty confirmed that Egypt is seriously reviewing the possibility of joining the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement involving Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, noting that defense commitments require careful examination under the Egyptian Constitution. He highlighted Cairo's strong ties with all three nations while emphasizing that the proposal is being studied amid unprecedented regional challenges.

The war in Ukraine and its economic impact on wheat imports were also discussed, with Abdelatty expressing support for Türkiye's efforts to revive the Black Sea Grain Corridor Agreement signed in Istanbul in 2022. Egypt depends partly on Black Sea shipping routes for grain and backs initiatives ensuring freedom of navigation in the region.