Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Monday visited Cairo for the first time since the two countries downgraded diplomatic ties in 2013, in an effort to mend relations after years of tension.
Cavusoglu met with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, in a bid to improve strained ties between the two countries.
The two sides discussed bilateral ties, the situation in the region, and joint efforts to counter terrorism, according to Turkish and Egyptian officials.
Cavusoglu’s visit comes after a series of diplomatic efforts to improve ties between the two countries. In 2016, the two countries restarted their respective ambassadors, and in 2018, Turkey opened a consulate in Cairo, signaling a warming of ties.
Turkey’s top diplomat is also expected to discuss the conflict in Libya and the situation in Syria, where the two countries have supported opposing sides.
Cavusoglu’s visit is seen by many as the latest sign of improved relations between the two countries. It is hoped that the visit could lead to a further thawing of ties between the two countries.
