El alamein: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan emphasized the necessity of continued coordination between Egypt and Turkey to bolster regional security and stability. Their discussions were part of a meeting held in El Alamein, where they co-chaired the second session of the Egypt-Turkey Joint Planning Group.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting focused on the implementation of outcomes from the previous meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council between Egypt and Turkey, chaired by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Cairo earlier in February. The discussions aimed to build on the progress made in Egyptian-Turkish relations across various sectors.
Representatives from both countries' ministries of investment, trade, petroleum, and health and population attended the meeting. Key topics included the development of economic, trade, and investment relations, with a goal to increase bilateral trade to 15 billion dollars, as agreed upon by the two countries' leaders in 2024.
The ministers highlighted the importance of activating existing frameworks for economic cooperation and eliminating obstacles that hinder the full utilization of economic potential, including efforts to expand the bilateral free trade agreement. Abdelatty detailed measures to facilitate Turkish investment in Egypt, such as the Fast Track mechanism for expediting licenses and approvals, and a joint working group to address challenges faced by Turkish investors.
Further discussions included the establishment of a Turkish industrial zone in Egypt, emphasizing sectors like automotive manufacturing and textiles, particularly in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Additionally, the ministers reviewed plans to reactivate the maritime roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) shipping route to enhance trade and logistical connectivity between ports.
In mining, Abdelatty encouraged Turkish investment in Egyptian projects and the exchange of expertise to maximize mineral resource utilization, ahead of the Egypt Mining Forum in September.
Regionally, the ministers exchanged views on mutual concerns, including efforts to de-escalate tensions and advance political solutions, such as the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding. They condemned Israeli actions in Palestinian territories and stressed implementing U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan, advocating for humanitarian aid delivery.
Regarding Sudan, the ministers discussed securing a ceasefire and political settlement to maintain Sudan's unity and meet its people's aspirations. On Libya, Abdelatty emphasized a "Libyan-Libyan" settlement free of external interference, supporting state institution development and elections.
The talks concluded with the signing of three documents, including the protocol of the second Egypt-Turkey Joint Planning Group meeting, Egypt's accession to a memorandum on logistical connectivity with African countries, and a decision concerning rules of origin under the Egypt-Turkey Free Trade Agreement.