Erdogan Plans to Visit UAE and Strengthen Ties with Egypt and Israel

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Monday that he will visit the UAE in February with a large delegation, indicating that Ankara intends to achieve closer ties with Egypt and Israel. The Turkish official agency "Anadolu" reported Erdogan's intention to make significant moves regarding relations with the UAE. He viewed the agreements signed with the UAE during talks in Ankara last week as a new era in the relationship between the two countries. Erdogan added, "Just as we have taken steps with the UAE, we will take similar steps with both Egypt and Israel." Last week, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, visited Ankara, where he held talks with Erdogan. During the visit, the UAE and Turkey signed agreements and memorandums of understanding covering various areas that aim to enhance cooperation and open new avenues for joint work between Abu Dhabi and Ankara. Among the agreements was the establishment of a $10 billion Emirati fund to support investments in Turkey.