Baghdad: Turkey and Egypt reaffirmed their commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and public order, expressing their concern over the ongoing conflict that has had devastating humanitarian consequences across the country. They also called for intensified humanitarian efforts in Gaza and Syria.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, this came in a joint statement issued by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdel-Aty, at the conclusion of Abdel-Aty’s visit to Ankara, during which he headed the Egyptian delegation at the first meeting of the joint planning group between the two countries.

In their joint statement, the two countries explained that the Joint Planning Group, co-chaired by their respective foreign ministers, was established under the joint declaration signed by Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on February 14, 2024, in Cairo. Its purpose is to pave the way for the next meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, to be chaired by the two presidents.

The statement indicated that during the meeting, the two sides focused on deepening and expanding bilateral relations. They reviewed the status of agreements currently under negotiation between the relevant authorities in both countries, affirming their commitment to strengthening and developing the positive momentum in relations, in accordance with the vision outlined by the two presidents.

The Ministers reiterated their commitment to continuing to coordinate efforts to enhance economic, trade, and industrial cooperation. They discussed ways to create a more attractive investment environment by offering further incentives, removing regulatory obstacles, and expediting procedures. They agreed to take the necessary steps to develop bilateral and regional economic and security relations through an integrated approach.

The statement emphasized that 2025 marks the centennial of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Turkey, reaffirming the fraternal bonds between the two peoples.

The statement also indicated that the two ministers discussed regional issues of mutual interest and commended the leadership of US President Donald Trump and his sincere efforts to end the war in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of the partnership with the United States in achieving peace in the region.

The two Ministers welcomed the achievements of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit held on October 13, following the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza issued on September 29, and reaffirmed their commitment to preserving those achievements.

The statement affirmed Turkey and Egypt’s support for the Palestinian people, calling on the international community to actively participate in the international conference on early recovery and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, which Egypt is expected to host this year, and praising its role in organizing the conference.

The two Ministers also reiterated their support for alleviating the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and decided to continue their cooperation in providing humanitarian aid to the Strip. They stressed the unity of the Palestinian territories in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and the role of the Palestinian Authority, and commended the reforms being implemented by the Authority to facilitate its return to exercising its responsibilities in Gaza when the appropriate conditions are met.

Both sides affirmed the necessity of achieving a two-state solution, establishing two sovereign, democratic states living side by side in peace and security within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of the Palestinian state.

Regarding international issues, the two ministers expressed their countries’ support for the Syrian people in their pursuit of a comprehensive political process that guarantees a secure and stable future. They emphasized the importance of preserving Syria’s unity and sovereignty and combating terrorism in all its forms, and called for increased humanitarian aid and early recovery efforts for the Syrian people.

The statement also stressed the importance of maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa, affirming both countries’ support for the unity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia and its government in combating terrorism. It urged all international partners to ensure sustainable funding for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

On the Sudanese issue, the two ministers expressed their regret and concern regarding the ongoing conflict in Sudan and reiterated their commitment to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. They noted Turkey’s support for the efforts of the Quartet to achieve peace and stability there.

The statement also affirmed the two countries’ commitment to working together to preserve Libya’s stability, security, and territorial integrity, and to support the United Nations’ efforts and its political roadmap.

The statement reaffirmed the shared vision of the Eastern Mediterranean as a region of prosperity and stability, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation projects in the energy and transportation sectors to serve the interests of both countries and the region.