Ashraf AboArafe
The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Cairo hosted an iftar for Egyptian journalists to mark the centennial of Turkish-Egyptian diplomatic relations.
Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen delivered remarks at the iftar on the broad developments in Turkish-Egyptian relations and regional issues since last Ramadan.
The centennial celebrations will be accelerated after Eid al-Fitr.
The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Cairo organized a traditional iftar for Egyptian journalists at the embassy. More than 100 Egyptian journalists attended the iftar, and Turkish doner and baklava were served to the guests.
In his address to journalists at the iftar, Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen touched on the Turkish doner, explaining that it was first introduced for commercial consumption in Istanbul at the beginning of the 20th century and was documented in a photograph.
He explained that “doner has become a staple fast food accepted globally, especially in Germany, Egypt, and around the world.”
He pointed out that doner is known as “shawarma” in Arab countries, but in a different way. He explained that the words “doner” and “shawarma” mean the same thing in Turkish: something that revolves around itself.
He stated that the embassy will continue its activities to promote Turkish cuisine and Turkish breakfast as part of the centenary of bilateral relations. He explained that the Anatolian Fireworks Troupe is scheduled to perform a special show in front of the Pyramids as part of the centenary of bilateral relations, and that contacts with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture on this matter are ongoing.
He explained that an exhibition of traditional Turkish wedding dresses is scheduled to be held next May, featuring Egyptian models.
Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen emphasized that Turkish-Egyptian relations have witnessed rapid progress over the past year, best demonstrated by the high-level exchange of visits. He added that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited only one country twice in 2024: Egypt.
He emphasized that Azerbaijan’s acceptance into the G8 at the G8 meeting held in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital on December 19, chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, was a joint outcome between Turkey and Egypt.
He stated that the G8 seeks cooperation between Islamic countries, especially developing countries in the fields of economy and industry. He emphasized that technological and industrial cooperation between Turkey and Egypt will continue to strengthen and deepen with the contribution of the private sector.
Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen noted that Turkish companies’ interest in the Suez Canal Economic Zone is growing, and that in the Qantara West area alone, four factories are under construction or nearing completion, with a value exceeding $200 million.
He emphasized that the necessary will exists at the highest levels on both sides to realize this great potential for cooperation, and that this potential can be fully exploited with the new developments taking place in the business environment.
Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen stated that the month of Ramadan has become a month of joy, celebrated with enthusiasm in both Egypt and Turkey throughout the month, with families and children participating.
He said that Ramadan, in this regard, is a month of worship and joy. It is one of the most beautiful religious obligations, and it is also a month of social and cultural life. He said that by participating in it, it has become a celebration with everyone participating, noting that this is a very beautiful tradition.
He said that one of the things he most admired about Egypt was the sincere participation of all segments of the Egyptian people in Ramadan, and their presence together during all visits and holidays.
He also noted that Ramadan is a month of cooperation and solidarity, and said that he, personally and as an embassy, is fulfilling his duty, both as a humanitarian and an Islamic duty, in this regard.
In this context, Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen emphasized that, as a Turkish Muslim citizen, he does not differentiate between the Egyptian people, his own people, and the Turkish people, and views them as one. In this context, he distributed Ramadan bags to 2,000 Egyptian families.
He explained that he will host an iftar for 500 Egyptian families in a few days and will distribute Eidiya (gifts) to children on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.
Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen explained that there is very close consultation and communication between Turkey and Egypt on regional issues, especially Libya, Syria, Sudan, and Palestine, and that there may be high-level visits and meetings involving Turkey, Egypt, and other regional countries on regional issues in the coming days.
Finally, he stated that he considers all journalists to be his friends and partners and that he is keen to work closely with them and cooperate with them.
I would like to thank them for their cooperation and congratulate them on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.
