El-Sisi, Erdogan discuss importance of ending war on Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
15 Feb 2024 01:16
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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi following talks with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirms Cairo's rejection of any military operation by the occupation in Rafah.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi, exchange signed agreements following their meeting at Al-Ittihadiya palace in Cairo, Egypt, Feb. 14, 2024 (AP)

In a joint press conference held in Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed their consensus on the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The leaders emphasized their commitment to facilitating swift access to humanitarian aid to Gaza, condemning the Israeli occupation's restrictions that hinder the rapid access to the maximum possible humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The joint commitment to a ceasefire and collaborative efforts for the reconstruction of Gaza signals a potential improvement in diplomatic ties between Egypt and Turkey. The leaders' statements underscore the urgency of addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza and working towards a lasting resolution to the war on Gaza.

Moreover Erdogan, during the press conference, characterized the visit as opening a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two nations. He expressed optimism about enhancing trade collaboration and increasing the volume of trade exchange between Egypt and Turkey to $15 billion.

Improving relations

Relations between Ankara and Cairo fell in 2013 after Sisi led the removal of the Brotherhood's Mohamed Mursi, an ally of Turkey who had become Egypt's first elected president after the revolution in Egypt.

According to a draft program, EL-Sisi and Erdogan planned to hold bilateral talks before a meeting between the two delegations, with a formal dinner.

Erdogan has attempted to soften tensions with Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and "Israel" since 2021, however, since October 7 he has severely opposed Netanyahu amid the Israeli genocide against Gaza.

Egypt, "Israel", Qatar, and the United States held inconclusive talks yesterday discussing steps towards a ceasefire in Gaza in which Egypt announced that it will not allow Palestinian refugees across its borders.

Last September both presidents met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi and they agreed to strengthen relations and cooperation, improve diplomatic relations between the two countries, and mutually appoint ambassadors.

Last May, over a phone call, the Egyptian president congratulated President Erdogan on his victory in the Turkish presidential elections. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry also visited Turkey last February, in solidarity with Ankara, following the major earthquake that struck the country.