On April 21, 2024, ECFA hosted the Ambassador of Türkiye to Cairo, Salih Mutlu Şen, to speak to ECFA members about the developments of Egypt-Türkiye relations and the Turkish position on regional issues. The meeting was opened by Ambassador Mohamed El-Oraby, ECFA Chairman, and was attended by Ambassadors Mounir Zahran, Ezzat Saad, Farouk Mabrouk, Abdel Rahman Salah, Marwan Badr, Mohamed Idris, Ali El-Hefny, Mohamed El-Noqali, and others, in addition to a number of academics and researchers concerned with Turkish affairs.

The Turkish Ambassador hailed the weight of the Egyptian state and its tireless efforts aimed at resolving crises in the region and keeping pace with the evolving global order. He also commended President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s development vision. The guest tackled the areas of cooperation between Egypt and Türkiye, affirming in this regard that they are based on the principles of cooperation and friendship. In this context, he referred to the expected promotion of cooperation between the two countries in the field of technology and military industries, adding that there are many Turkish investors in Egypt.

The Turkish ambassador explained that within the framework of resuming relations between the two countries, Turkish expertise in the field of tourism can be transferred to Egypt. As for the Turkish vision regarding regional issues and developments, the guest indicated that it converges with the Egyptian side on the necessity of seeking to achieve regional stability and benefit all parties. Regarding the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, the guest indicated that the Turkish position is similar to the Egyptian position on the Palestinian cause. He added that it is necessary to strive towards ensuring the unity of the Libyan Jamahiriya, Sudan and Somalia; in favor of these countries and neighboring countries.

In connection with Russia and Türkiye’s relations with it, the guest indicated that it is an important and indispensable country for Türkiye. However, Türkiye did not support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – according to the Ambassador – out of respect for international law and the principle of sovereignty, but Ankara is not with the confrontation adopted by the West against Moscow, as it is not the right way to deal with the matter.

 On the other hand, replying to an inquiry about Türkiye’s relationship with NATO states, the guest indicated that it is a balanced relationship that achieves its parties’ interests, explaining that Türkiye can represent the Islamic world and its vision within the Alliance, adding that it is proceeding with obtaining the European Union membership, although this process is progressing at a slower pace than earlier.