Ashraf AboArafe
**Abdel Aaty and Fidan Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Gaza Crisis**
**Egypt, Türkiye Reaffirm Commitment to Two-State Solution in Phone Call**
**Egyptian, Turkish FMs Coordinate on Gaza Reconstruction and Ceasefire Efforts**
**Libya and Gaza Top Agenda in Egypt–Türkiye Foreign Ministers’ Call**
A telephone call took place on Monday, May 12, between Dr. Badr Abdel Aaty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration, and Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. The call was part of ongoing consultations aimed at strengthening Egyptian-Turkish relations and exchanging views on developments in the Middle East.
Minister Abdel Aaty praised the recent progress in bilateral relations across various fields, highlighting the increased frequency of high-level visits, which have contributed to deeper cooperation and the advancement of mutual ties. He also expressed Egypt’s eagerness to continue enhancing economic and trade cooperation and boosting Turkish investments in Egypt.
The two ministers discussed the situation in Gaza in light of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and continued Israeli aggression. Minister Abdel Aaty briefed his Turkish counterpart on Egypt’s efforts, in coordination with Qatar and the United States, to reach a ceasefire, secure the release of hostages and detainees, and facilitate the entry of humanitarian, medical, and shelter aid into Gaza without obstruction.
The ministers also discussed the upcoming steps for the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee—which includes both Egypt and Türkiye—in engaging with international stakeholders to mobilize support for the Arab-Islamic plan for early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza. Minister Abdel Aaty also updated his Turkish counterpart on preparations for the Cairo International Conference for Gaza Reconstruction, which will be held once a ceasefire agreement is reached.
Both ministers reiterated their firm rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians and emphasized the need to pursue a just and lasting political solution to the Palestinian cause, based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The call also included an exchange of views on developments in Libya. Minister Abdel Aaty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Libya’s national institutions and reiterated Egypt’s position on preserving Libya’s unity, territorial integrity, and the Libyan people’s full ownership of the political process. He emphasized the importance of holding presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously as soon as possible.
