Ashraf AboArafe
The Turkish Embassy in Cairo hosted a special event to mark World Breakfast Day (WBD), which is celebrated annually on the first Sunday of June. The celebration featured a wide array of traditional Turkish breakfast items, showcasing the richness of Turkish culinary culture.
The event was attended by a select group of Egyptian journalists and distinguished guests. In his remarks to the media, Turkish Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen emphasized the deepening ties between Turkey and Egypt, based on mutual love, respect, friendship, and shared interests in areas such as the economy and security. He revealed that two Turkish ministers are expected to visit Egypt this month as part of continued efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Expanding Cooperation in Culture, Defense, and Diplomacy
Ambassador Şen highlighted the recent visit of the Egyptian Chief of Staff to Turkey, where he held high-level meetings with the Turkish Minister of National Defense, the Chief of General Staff, and representatives from various defense industries. He also noted that the Turkish frigate TCG Gökçeada docked at the Port of Alexandria from May 27 to 29, and its commander met with Egyptian Navy Commander Vice Admiral Ashraf Atwa.
On the cultural front, the ambassador mentioned the May 6 visit of Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy to Cairo, where he attended the D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Tourism and met with Egyptian Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Henein. Şen described the visit as the beginning of a “new era of cultural cooperation” and announced plans to hold joint musical concerts featuring songs by Umm Kulthum and Mohamed Abdel Wahab, coinciding with Egypt’s declaration of this year as the “Year of Umm Kulthum.”
Recognition of Shared Achievements and Youth Collaboration
Ambassador Şen congratulated Adam Asil, a Turkish gymnast of Egyptian origin, for winning two gold medals at the European Gymnastics Championships in Germany. He praised Asil’s achievement as a source of shared pride for both nations. The ambassador also expressed hope for the signing of a bilateral agreement in youth and sports following his recent friendly meeting with Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi.
Economic Partnerships on the Rise
On the economic side, the ambassador reported significant progress in efforts to relaunch the Ro-Ro shipping line between Turkey and Egypt, which is expected to greatly enhance bilateral trade. He also met with executives from Turkish companies operating in Egypt, including Defacto and Penti Socks, the latter of which is in the final phase of a major investment project in 10th of Ramadan City. Şen stated that Turkish investments in Egypt are projected to exceed $500 million this year.
In conclusion, Ambassador Şen announced a major upcoming opening in the Suez Canal Economic Zone later this month and said select members of the Egyptian press would be invited to attend. He reiterated that Turkish-Egyptian relations are crucial for ensuring peace, stability, and development in the region, and that both countries are making confident strides toward a stronger future.
