Here’s why Egypt is so important for Türkiye
However, diplomatic relations between the two countries faced a critical challenge following Egypt’s 2013 military coup. After the coup, the diplomatic and military relations between the two nations came to a standstill.
So much so that this tension became symbolized by becoming a domestic political issue. Despite these tensions, the two nations have begun the process of normalization, particularly since the end of 2020.
In May 2021, exploratory talks, known as the Türkiye-Egypt Exploratory Round of Consultations, were completed in Cairo, marking an important step toward normalization.
The second round of talks was held in Ankara from September 7 to 8, 2021, and both sides agreed to continue talks. In addition, the desire to make progress on various issues and take further steps to normalize relations was reaffirmed, sending the message that the normalization process will continue with confident steps.
Türkiye took a major step by appointing an ambassador to Egypt in April 2022, after an eight-year hiatus. In July 2023, Egypt also appointed an ambassador to Türkiye.
Gaza issue crucial for both nations
The situation in Gaza has become an important diplomatic issue between Türkiye and Egypt. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi called on Israel to end its blockade of Gaza.
Erdogan expressed his satisfaction with the strengthening of relations between the two countries and stated that close consultations continue on regional issues.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the situation in Gaza and regional developments in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi. Fidan expressed Türkiye’s desire to strengthen bilateral relations with Iran and cooperate on important regional issues.
President Erdogan said that Israel is responsible for every death in Gaza and that only by abandoning ambiguous policies will it be possible to prevent Israel from dragging the region into further tension.
Türkiye to become natural gas hub
Türkiye is one of the world’s top energy consumers and Egypt is one of the key suppliers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the Turkish market. In February 2024, following the visit of Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Cairo, a meeting was held between the senior management of national natural gas companies BOTAS and EGAS (Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company).