Türkiye to provide Egypt with drones, other technologies

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said that Türkiye will provide Egypt with unmanned aerial vehicles and other technologies.

On the process of normalizing relations between Türkiye and Egypt, Fidan said it has largely been completed. He noted the mutual benefits for both countries, highlighting the historical ties between the Turkish and Egyptian people, Anadolu reports.

He stressed the exceptional importance of bilateral relations for regional security and trade.

Fidan also acknowledged the presence of numerous Turkish investors in Egypt and expressed the desire to enhance these investments. He mentioned the positive impact of normalized relations on regional policies, especially in Libya.

He underlined the importance of collaboration on various fronts, including technological cooperation in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Pointing out the importance of Egypt in terms of regional security, especially in terms of the Israeli-Palestinian issue, Fidan said: "It is important to normalize relations so that Egypt receives certain support and certain technologies."

"We also have an agreement that Türkiye will provide unmanned aerial vehicles and other technologies. Our cooperation in Africa is also important, especially in Libya. As we normalized relations with Egypt, it had serious positive repercussions, especially on policies in Libya," he said.

Balkan relations

Emphasizing the importance of continuous dialogue, Fidan discussed Türkiye's support for the Balkans. He said recent visits to Albania, Bulgaria and Romania reflect systematic efforts in Türkiye-Albania relations.

He pointed to the exceptional level of relations with Bulgaria and highlighted positive developments, especially the democratic stance of the Bulgarian government.

Addressing Türkiye-Greece relations, Fidan acknowledged historical issues in the Aegean, emphasizing responsible management and positive diplomatic efforts.

He outlined various areas of collaboration, including economic, tourism, education and cultural activities. Fidan also emphasized efforts to discuss chronic issues with a fresh perspective, focusing on military tension reduction and mutual agreements.

He said the Cyprus issue remains a significant diplomatic focus, with an expanded approach to problem-solving.

Türkiye's EU journey

Addressing Türkiye's EU membership process, Fidan acknowledged the lengthy history of this journey, emphasizing the lessons learned from both the past and the present.

He discussed the ongoing efforts to explore new approaches, parameters, discourses and policies regarding Ankara's EU path.

He underscored the crucial decision for the EU, questioning whether the EU is genuinely willing to make Türkiye a member.

Fidan also warned that Türkiye may take further steps due to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s (PUK) collaboration with the PKK in the northern Iraqi city of Sulaymaniyah.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the PUK's failure to distance itself from the PKK, he said Türkiye imposed restrictions, particularly in air transportation to Sulaymaniyah. He reiterated the call for the PUK to correct its course, cautioning that Türkiye may escalate actions if they persist.

Regarding Türkiye-Syria relations, Fidan criticized Syria's attempt to make diplomatic moves with preconditions. Türkiye advocates for Syria's territorial integrity within the Astana process. Fidan highlighted Ankara's commitment to dialogue while noting Syria's challenges in engaging due to external influences.