Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed Egypt's foreign policy on a number of regional files, including Egyptian support for the Palestinian cause, relations with Turkey and Qatar, and stances on ending the crisis in Libya during an interview with Sada Al-Balad TV channel on Saturday evening. On Egyptian-Turkish relations, the foreign minister said Egypt is currently assessing Turkish policies, since Cairo proposed some files that Turkey should take into account to remove all obstacles that hinder building mutual relations. He reaffirmed that Egypt always works to build close relations with its regional and international partners properly. Egypt is working on exploring how Ankara is ready to have relations with Cairo on a proper basis and its compliance with international law, the minister added. Shoukry also stressed the necessity that Ankara be away from anything that destabilises Egypt's security. "This is a sacred matter," he said. The foreign minister pointed out that if Turkey did not extradite Muslim Brotherhood members to Egypt or close MB-affiliated TV channels, the situation would be more difficult, adding all these policies are being monitored and ties could be normally resumed in case of any progress. Cyprus and Greece are not upset with the Egyptian-Turkish rapprochement, he underlined, adding: "We are informing them about all the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean region." As for the Qatari file, Shoukry said Egypt is implementing what has been reached in the Al-Ula agreement, saying committees have been formed to restore Egyptian-Qatari ties to normal. He described the political relations between the two countries as positive, saying that another development will take place next week and will have impact on the relations. The foreign minister stressed that the rights of Egyptians who sacrificed themselves in defense of their homeland will not be relinquished. The two countries are positively working on removing the boycott's repercussions, the top diplomat noted, saying Qatar's response to Egypt's demands is being assessed. Regarding the invitation of the Qatari emir to President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi to visit Doha, Shoukry said the invitation is appreciated and the visit will be paid in its right timing within the diplomatic framework. Regarding the files of Libya, the eastern Mediterranean, and the Muslim Brotherhood, Shoukry said these files are of great importance for Egypt's security and stability, stressing that Egyptian security cannot be crossed. Concerning the situation in the Gaza Strip, Shoukry said Egypt has shouldered the responsibility of supporting the Palestinian people and their cause over the past seven decades. "Gazans deserve support and better living conditions to continue their march towards achieving their aspirations of establishing an independent state," he said. As for the coming Israeli government, the foreign minister underscored that Egypt would deal with any government based on the normal ties between the countries and will be pushing for peace to achieve the two-state solution on the 1967 borders. Commenting on reports about Israeli demands asking Egypt to stop sending cement and equipment to the enclave, the top diplomat noted that President El-Sisi ordered $500-million aid for Gaza reconstruction in cooperation with the Palestinian Authority and Israeli government.
