Turkey urges Israel to match Hamas’ commitment to Gaza truce
Fidan expressed pleasure in hosting his Egyptian counterpart, noting Abdelatty had been received by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He highlighted progress in bilateral ties, pointing to the first High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) meeting on September 4, 2024, as a turning point. Fidan co-chaired the Türkiye-Egypt Joint Planning Group, which reviewed ongoing agreements and set a roadmap to finalize deals by the next HLSCC session.
The minister emphasized that Egypt is Türkiye’s largest trade partner in Africa, with bilateral trade rising nearly 11% in 2024 to $9 billion, and expressed goals to reach $15 billion, highlighting the critical role of Turkish companies in Egypt. Plans were also made to deepen cooperation in transport, energy, connectivity, and hydrocarbons, as well as military collaboration through reciprocal visits and joint exercises.
Fidan discussed developments in Libya, Sudan, and Syria, supporting Libyan-led stability efforts and advocating fairness and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. On Sudan, he called for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and humanitarian access, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to Sudan’s unity and sovereignty.
Regarding Syria, Fidan welcomed its improving international standing, noting participation in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and highlighting cooperation opportunities with the US and other actors to bolster counterterrorism and security. He underlined that Türkiye supports a terrorism-free, united Syria.
Fidan described his meetings in the US as “highly productive,” including discussions with President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other envoys. Talks focused on Syria’s territorial integrity, Gaza stabilization, and the Russia–Ukraine conflict, with emphasis on supporting ceasefire enforcement and advancing diplomatic solutions.
He noted cooperation with international partners on a possible UN Security Council resolution for Gaza and the establishment of an international stabilization force, emphasizing Türkiye’s coordinated approach with relevant actors.
Fidan highlighted historic joint humanitarian efforts with Egypt for Gaza and discussed institutionalizing this cooperation, including aid delivery to African crises. He stressed the importance of halting the Gaza crisis, noting the work of a Contact Group over two years and collaboration with the US and six other Muslim countries, which contributed to initiating the current ceasefire.
Fidan reiterated the push for a two-state solution and emphasized ongoing coordination through the UN Security Council, Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and European partners, stating: “We have always acted with brotherly solidarity...on the side of truth, peace, and justice.”
While the discussions primarily focused on crisis and security, Fidan noted that trade, transport, and energy were also addressed, emphasizing the importance of continued attention to these sectors.
He concluded by expressing condolences for soldiers lost in a military cargo plane crash on the Azerbaijan–Georgia border, praising Georgian authorities for their rapid assistance in search and rescue operations: “May God have mercy on our martyrs. My deepest condolences to our nation. We are maintaining close contact with the Georgian authorities regarding the accident.”
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