Turkish foreign minister announces visit to Egypt in May to restore ties

Trip is part of effort to thaw relations between nations after differences over former Egyptian leader

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu looks on during a news conference with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias (not pictured) in Ankara, Turkey April 15, 2021. Turkish Foreign Ministry/Handout via REUTERSShow less

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced that a delegation would visit Egypt in May as part of a bid to normalise relations between the two countries.

Last month, Turkey said it had resumed diplomatic contacts with Egypt and wanted to increase co-operation.

That was eight years after ties crumbled over the Egyptian army removing Muslim Brotherhood president Mohammed Morsi, who was close to Ankara, in 2013.

A thaw in ties between the regional powerhouses could have repercussions around the Mediterranean.

They have backed rival sides in the war in Libya and sealed conflicting maritime deals with other coastal states.

Mr Cavusoglu highlighted the significance of Egypt and its role in the region while speaking to a Turkish national broadcaster.

He said Cairo had invited the Turkish delegation to visit Egypt in the first week of May to discuss ties.

Mr Cavusoglu said a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, with whom he spoke at the weekend, would take place after those talks.

"The conditions between us have matured. Meetings could continue," he said.

Over the past few months Turkey's government has been making direct efforts to engage Egypt, highlighting their cultural and historic ties.

Egypt has acknowledged Turkey's efforts but made it clear that Ankara's actions "must show alignment with Egyptian principles" to normalise ties.