In new statements that highlight Turkish efforts for rapprochement with Egypt, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu indicated that an agreement with the Egyptian side for the return of ambassadors is approaching. He explained that discussions between Ankara and Cairo have progressed gradually. However, he noted that the date for the anticipated meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, has not yet been set.
In a television interview on Thursday, he affirmed that communications are proceeding well so far and efforts continue to improve relations between the two parties. Additionally, Cavusoglu believes the two countries can cooperate on issues like Libya, the Palestinian cause, and others, stating, "If our relations with Egypt are normalized, there are many areas and countries where we can collaborate, which are in need of such cooperation."
On the other hand, no official Egyptian comment has been issued regarding these statements. However, a diplomatic source in Cairo denied any tangible progress in the negotiations to normalize relations between the two countries. According to the Russian news agency "TASS," the parties presented their vision for the future of relations during recent exploratory talks, but nothing new has occurred since then. The source also clarified that the Turkish government has not taken any action regarding the demands presented by the Egyptian side as preconditions for normalizing relations, noting that this includes the issue of withdrawing Turkish forces from Libya.
It is worth mentioning that Turkey announced in March that it would resume its diplomatic communications with Egypt, and directed Egyptian media outlets affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood operating in Turkey to tone down their rhetoric towards the authorities in Cairo. On May 5 and 6, a Turkish delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal visited Cairo for exploratory talks with Egyptian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Hamdi Sanoz.
