Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry revealed that the Egyptian-Turkish talks have currently stopped, denying that any delegation from Cairo is set to head to Turkey to resume discussions soon. He also indicated that there is no specific date yet for resuming exploratory meetings between the two sides to restore mutual relations.
In an interview on the program "Al-Hekaya," which aired on MBC last Friday evening, he emphasized Egypt's reservations regarding certain Turkish policies on several issues, especially the Libyan file.
Regarding Turkish troops in Libya, he affirmed that their military presence is illegitimate, particularly since this presence was based on agreements with the Government of National Accord, which did not have the authority to address such matters according to the terms of the Skhirat Agreement. He clarified that there is an international consensus on the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Libyan territory, with the outcomes of the recent Berlin 2 conference reaffirming this crucial point both internationally and locally to achieve stability and restore the country’s unity.
It is noteworthy that informed sources indicated on Thursday to Al Arabiya/Al-Hadath that Cairo insists on Turkey's unconditional withdrawal from Libyan territory. The reports also disclosed that Egypt has sent urgent cables to Turkish security and intelligence agencies stating that security coordination on several files would be suspended due to the continued unjustified Turkish military presence in Libya. Additionally, it was clarified that Cairo has paused meetings between the two sides until further notice, despite urgent Turkish cables requesting new consultative meetings.
It should be noted that Ankara began taking steps in March to mend relations with Egypt. On May 5 and 6, a Turkish delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal conducted the first visit of its kind to Cairo since 2013 for "exploratory" discussions with Egyptian officials led by Deputy Foreign Minister Hamdi Sand Losa.
