Archive for the ‘Erdogan’ Category

Turkey’s Erdogan in Egypt on a visit that caps thaw in tensions – The National

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid a milestone visit to Egypt on Wednesday, ushering in with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi a new era of friendship and co-operation between the two regional powerhouses after years of tension.

This is Mr Erdogan's first visit to Egypt in more than a decade, a period during which the two nations were mostly locked in a series of public and bitter squabbles over a range of issues, including Cairo's claims that Ankara meddles in the domestic affairs of Arab countries and supports militant groups.

The two leaders signed an agreement to create a joint organisation the Strategic Co-operation Council which will work to advance bilateral relations in all fields.

The Egyptian leader also announced that he would visit Turkey in April for the proposed inaugural meeting of the council. The trip would be Mr El Sisi's first to Turkey since he took office in 2014.

Both leaders said they wanted to increase trade between their two countries in the next few years from about $10 billion at present to $15 billion and spoke of the historical and cultural ties binding the two nations.

"We share with Egypt a joint history that dates back more than 1,000 years and we want to advance relations. Egypt has the will to do that," Mr Erdogan said after talks with his Egyptian host, who said the visit "turned a new page in our relations."

Mr El Sisi received the Turkish leader on his arrival at Cairo Airport before the pair drove to the nearby Al Ittihadya Palace where Mr Erdogan reviewed a guard of honour before their talks.

Relations between the two nations became fraught in 2013 when Egypt's military, then led by Mr El Sisi, removed president Mohammed Morsi from power. The two countries withdrew their respective ambassadors soon after. Mr El Sisi was elected to office the following year.

The two countries began talks to normalise relations more than two years ago, with mid-ranking officials from each side discussing how to resolve outstanding issues. The process received a major boost when Mr El Sisi and Mr Erdogan met for the first time on the sidelines of the World Cup in Doha, Qatar in 2022.

The restoration of full diplomatic ties and the two countries' declared intention to embark on a path of co-operation signal a key change in the region's geopolitical landscape.

The two countries have backed rival sides in the conflict in Libya, next door to Egypt, in the civil war that erupted after the fall of dictator Muammar Qaddafi in 2011.

Mr El Sisi on Wednesday said Egypt looked forward to co-operating with Turkey to bring stability to Libya through legislative and presidential elections.

Egypt is also opposed to what it considers to be Turkey's undue influence in Syria and Iraq, and perceived attempts to muscle in on Cairo's energy plans in the Eastern Mediterranean with Turkey's traditional rivals Cyprus and Greece.

However, Mr El Sisi struck an upbeat note on Wednesday on the future of those plans, saying he welcomed the "quiet" prevailing in the area at present and was looking forward to building on it.

Resolving differences between the region's littoral nations, he said, would bring maximum benefits to all parties from the huge reserves of natural gas in the area.

Both Egypt and Turkey command large armies and are able to exercise significant influence across the region. Turkey is the only Muslim country that is a Nato member, while Egypt is the most populous Arab nation.

Relations between the two countries and their peoples date back more than a millennium. Egypt became a part of the Ottoman Empire in 1517, and formal ties to Istanbul remained in place until early in the 20th century.

Mr Erdogan's visit comes after growing economic ties between the two countries.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said earlier this month that Ankara has agreed to provide Egypt with drones, the first known arms deal between Cairo and Ankara since their governments agreed in July to upgrade their diplomatic relations to ambassadorial level after the on-and-off talks to resume ties.

Normalisation in our relations is important for Egypt to have certain technologies, Mr Fidan said. We have an agreement to provide [Egypt] unmanned air vehicles and other technologies.

Mr Erdogan's visit takes on added significance because of the Gaza war.

Mr Erdogan and Mr El Sisi have each strongly criticised Israel over the high Palestinian death toll more than 28,000, mostly civilians, have been killed so far in the territory and the widespread destruction caused by Israel's war.

Both leaders on Wednesday called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Updated: February 15, 2024, 7:38 AM

See the original post here:
Turkey's Erdogan in Egypt on a visit that caps thaw in tensions - The National

Erdogan in Egypt for first time in years as Hamas joins Cairo hostage talks – The Times of Israel

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is in Cairo on his first visit since 2012, sealing a thaw in ties and weighing in on indirect talks between Israel and Hamas on pausing the Gaza war.

Erdogan is welcomed at Cairo airport by his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sissi and the two men exchange a handshake on the tarmac, footage of his arrival shows.

Erdogan, an outspoken critic of Israels conduct of the Gaza war, said Monday that he would discuss with efforts to halt the bloodshed with Sissi.

His arrival coincides with that of the Hamas terror group, which dispatched a delegation to Cairo today for talks mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States.

Erdogan earlier said his meetings in Egypt, as well as the United Arab Emirates, would look at what more can be done for our brothers in Gaza.

As Turkey, we continue to make every effort to stop the bloodshed, he told a news conference.

Istanbul served as a base for Hamas political leaders before the October 7 attack. The NATO member asked Hamas chiefs to leave after some were captured on video celebrating the unprecedented attack.

Ankara in November recalled its ambassador to Israel, and has maintained intermittent communication with the Hamas leadership, who see Turkey as a potential ally in ceasefire negotiations.

You're a dedicated reader

Were really pleased that youve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.

Thats why we started the Times of Israel eleven years ago - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.

So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we havent put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.

For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.

Thank you, David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel

Continue reading here:
Erdogan in Egypt for first time in years as Hamas joins Cairo hostage talks - The Times of Israel

Erdoan and Rama set $2 billion trade goal between Trkiye and Albania – [LKHA] Ilke News Agency – lke Haber Ajans (LKHA)

Following their bilateral meeting and the first meeting of the Trkiye-Albania High Level Cooperation Council, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan and Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania addressed the media at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.

President Erdogan announced an ambitious new trade target of $2 billion between the two nations, representing a significant jump from the current $1 billion volume. He underscored the vital role of private sector engagement in achieving this goal, recognizing the existing strength of Turkish investments in Albania, estimated at around $3.5 billion. Over 600 Turkish companies actively contribute to the Albanian economy, creating employment opportunities for over 15,000 citizens. Both leaders expressed commitment to further fostering mutually beneficial economic ties.

The fight against the Glen movement (FETO), designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, featured prominently in the discussions. Erdogan applauded Prime Minister Rama's resolute stance against the group, acknowledging their attempts to disrupt bilateral relations. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts to counter FETO's influence in both countries, emphasizing information sharing and coordinated actions.

Deep concern was expressed over the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly the situation in Gaza. Erdogan condemned Israel's actions and lauded Albania's recent stance at the UN General Assembly vote condemning the atrocities. He highlighted the international community's responsibility to address the crisis and secure a just and peaceful future for the Palestinian people. The leaders pledged continued engagement and joint initiatives to advocate for Palestine's rights and support lasting solutions.

The press conference highlighted the enduring strategic partnership between Turkey and Albania as key NATO allies. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to regional stability and joint efforts to address security challenges in the Balkans.

Erdogan commended Albania's contributions to the Turkish Maarif Foundation, which provides educational opportunities in Albania, serving over 2,000 students.

This high-level meeting signifies a deepening partnership between Turkey and Albania across various domains. The outlined goals in trade, security cooperation, and support for Palestine underscore their shared strategic interests and commitment to regional stability. As these initiatives unfold, further developments and outcomes will be closely monitored. (ILKHA)

Go here to read the rest:
Erdoan and Rama set $2 billion trade goal between Trkiye and Albania - [LKHA] Ilke News Agency - lke Haber Ajans (LKHA)

Israeli efforts to drive people out of Gaza null, void: President Erdogan – TRT World

Hosting his Turkish counterpart in the capital Cairo for the first time in a decade, Egypts President Abdel Fattah el Sisi said on Wednesday that his country is opening a new page in relations with Trkiye.

"I welcome President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his first visit to Egypt in more than 10 years to open a new page between our two countries to enrich our bilateral relationship and put it on the right track," Sisi said during a joint news conference with the Turkish leader.

Sisi said Egypt seeks to boost its trade with Trkiye to $15 billion in the next five years.

The Egyptian leader said he looks forward to accepting President Erdogan's invitation to visit Trkiye in April to strengthen bilateral relations.

I affirm our pride and appreciation for our historic relations with Trkiye and the cultural heritage we share, he added.

Read more:
Israeli efforts to drive people out of Gaza null, void: President Erdogan - TRT World

Egypt and Turkey: Enormous Distrust to Hope (El-Sisi and Erdogan) Modern Tokyo Times – Modern Tokyo Times

Egypt and Turkey: Enormous Distrust to Hope (El-Sisi and Erdogan)

Kanako Mita, Sawako Utsumi, and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi(al-Sisi)of Egypt greeted President Recep Tayyip Erdoan of Turkey (Trkiye) with open arms during Erdoans visit to Egypt.

This would have been unimaginable during the height of the intrigues of America under President Barack Obama and external forces from Turkey, Qatar, and others that gave fresh momentum to the Muslim Brotherhood and the so-called Arab Spring. Indeed, el-Sisi stepped into the Muslim Brotherhood quagmire and pushed the forces of destabilization back by stabilizing Egypt.

Egypts leader seeks to stabilize Libya, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. NATO Turkey, on the other hand, under Erdoan involved itself in Libya and currently occupies North Syria while Erdoan pushes the Muslim Brotherhood dream in several nations, including keeping the support of Turks in Germany and the Netherlands (Holland).

However, it seems that the pragmatism of el-Sisi is winning the day. If so, this bodes well for parts of North Africa still blighted by instability (notably Libya) and for the troubled nations of the Middle East (West Asia).

Ahram Online said (Abdel-Rahman Salaheddin), The long-awaited visit comes at a time when both countries need each other in the face of many challenges, whether due to the development of conflict and competition within the international system, such as the Ukrainian war and the US-Chinese rivalry, or the regional competition to redraw the map of the distribution of power between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and Israel.

Cordial talks between the leaders of Egypt and Turkey based on solidarity to pragmatic compromises concerning economics, geopolitics, drone warfare, and other areas are a million miles from the fallout of the Muslim Brotherhood assault on the body politic of Egypt.

France 24 reports, Turkey and Egypt cut ties in 2013 after Sisi, then defense minister, ousted Islamist presidentMohamed Morsi, an ally of Ankara and part of theMuslim Brotherhoodmovement.

Turning the clock forward to the meeting between el-Sisi and Erdoan, both leaders said they would cooperate over the crisis in Gaza between Hamas and Israel. This concerns important initiatives to stem the crisis and the rebuilding of Gaza along with Gulf Powers after the crisis ends.

Reuters reports, Erdogan has sought to ease tensions with Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Israel since 2021 though since October he has publicly sniped with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israels devastating war against Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.

Egypt is focused on stabilizing Libya, the dam issue with Ethiopia, and supporting Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This concerns the crisis in Yemen to the containment of the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist networks that threaten regional stability.

Energy disputes in the Mediterranean, drone warfare (the influence of Turkey in several conflicts), economics, and a host of other issues were discussed by the leaders of Egypt and Turkey during the meeting between el-Sisi and Erdoan.

Overall, the positive meeting between both leaders bodes well for regional stability and, in areas of differences, to make compromises.

Modern Tokyo News is part of the Modern Tokyo Times group

http://moderntokyotimes.comModern Tokyo Times International News and Japan News

http://sawakoart.com Sawako Utsumi and her website Modern Tokyo Times artist

https://moderntokyonews.comModern Tokyo News Tokyo News and International News

PLEASE JOIN ON TWITTER

https://twitter.com/MTT_NewsModern Tokyo Times

PLEASE JOIN ON FACEBOOK

http://facebook.com/moderntokyotimes

Visit link:
Egypt and Turkey: Enormous Distrust to Hope (El-Sisi and Erdogan) Modern Tokyo Times - Modern Tokyo Times