Egypt and Türkiye have restored diplomatic ties after a decade-long rupture, appointing ambassadors to each other's capitals. The move comes as a sign of the warming relations between the two countries, which have been cooperating on a number of issues in recent months. In a joint statement, the Turkish and Egyptian foreign ministries said the decision to restore ties was made "in accordance with the decision taken by the presidents of the two countries." The statement said the move would "contribute to the renormalization of relations between the two countries and reflects the mutual will to improve bilateral relations in the interests of the Turkish and Egyptian peoples." The appointment of ambassadors is the latest step in the thawing of relations between Türkiye and Egypt. In March, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu visited Cairo and held talks with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry. The two ministers discussed a range of issues, including economic cooperation and regional security. In November 2022, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met briefly at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The meeting was seen as a sign of improving relations between the two countries. Despite the frosty diplomatic relations, trade between Türkiye and Egypt has remained strong. In 2022, Türkiye was the largest importer of Egyptian products, with a total value of $4bn. The trade exchange between Türkiye and Egypt stands at around $9.2bn, inclusive of energy. The restoration of diplomatic ties between Türkiye and Egypt is a positive development for both countries. It could lead to increased cooperation on a range of issues, including trade, investment, and security. It could also help to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. Turkish Ambassador to Egypt Salih Mutlu Şen told Daily News Egypt earlier that he believes the future of the relationship between Türkiye and Egypt will be "to the benefit of two countries and their interests." He also said that he hopes that the trade volume between the two countries can reach $20bn within ten years. The restoration of diplomatic ties between Türkiye and Egypt is a significant development. It is a sign of improving relations between the two countries and could lead to increased cooperation on a range of issues. It is a positive development for both countries and for the region as a whole.
