Turkey - Egypt will cooperate in the Gaza peace effort and Libya stability

JAKARTA - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said Turkey and Egypt are working together on peace efforts in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, as well as stability in neighboring Libya.

"Turkey is working with Egypt on an initiative to bring peace to Gaza and will continue these efforts," President Erdogan said at a joint press conference with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo, Anadolu (5/2) reported.

"Our common goal with Egypt remains to maintain the unity and territorial integrity of Libya to build lasting stability in the country," he added.

Stating that Egypt has become Turkey's largest trading partner in Africa, President Erdogan said Ankara aims to increase the bilateral trade volume from 8-9 billion US dollars to 15 billion US dollars.

"Turkey wants to increase cooperation with Egypt in the fields of trade and maritime transport, freedom of navigation, and maritime security," said President Erdogan.

He also noted that Turkey rejected Israel's recognition of the breakaway Somaliland region, citing the need to protect Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Regarding the situation in Sudan, the neighboring country of Egypt in the south, President Erdogan said Ankara wants a ceasefire in Sudan, and then continued peace in the country.

Regarding the increasing tensions between Washington and Tehran, President Erdogan said: "Resolving the problem with Iran, including the nuclear issue, through diplomatic channels is the most appropriate method."

Regarding Syria, President Erdogan underlined that Turkey supports the great transformation of Syria, because the region will greatly benefit from Syria's territorial integrity and political unity.

President Erdogan added that despite the ceasefire having been in place for months, the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza continues.

He praised Cairo's efforts to channel humanitarian aid sent by Turkey to Palestinians in Gaza.