Erdoğan announces joint Türkiye-Egypt efforts for Gaza peace and regional stability

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has outlined a comprehensive framework for cooperation between Türkiye and Egypt, with a central focus on securing lasting peace in Gaza and promoting stability across the Middle East and Africa. Speaking alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo on Wednesday, Erdoğan highlighted the aligned strategic interests of the two regional powers.

Joint Initiatives on Gaza and Condemnation of Violence

President Erdoğan stressed that despite a months-long ceasefire, a humanitarian tragedy persists in Gaza, where over 500 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since last October. He praised Egypt's role in facilitating Turkish humanitarian aid into the strip and affirmed, "Türkiye is working with Egypt on initiatives to make peace in Gaza possible and will continue these efforts." The leaders pledged to collaborate on reconstruction and condemned attempts to undermine previous peace declarations.

Stability in Libya, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa

The discussions extended to several regional hotspots. On Libya, Erdoğan stated that Ankara and Cairo share the objective of preserving the country's unity and territorial integrity, supporting a Libyan-led political process. Regarding Sudan, he expressed Türkiye's desire for a ceasefire followed by sustainable peace. He also strongly rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland, framing it as a violation of Somalia's sovereignty, and reiterated support for Syria's territorial integrity.

Strengthening Bilateral Economic and Strategic Ties

The visit, which included the second meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, aims to significantly deepen the bilateral relationship. Erdoğan noted that Egypt is Türkiye's largest trade partner in Africa, with a current trade volume of $8-9 billion targeted to reach $15 billion. Turkish investments in Egypt are nearing $4 billion, with new joint projects planned in energy and transportation. The improving relations have also boosted tourism, with over half a million travelers between the two nations last year.