Egypt’s Support For Cyprus, OIC

Within the framework of a series of visits to regional countries, Gul met with Egyptian President Husnu Mubarak yesterday. The Turkish Foreign Minister gave an interview to Zaman in Egypt said that he participated in many useful consultations prior to the OIC Foreign Ministers Summit. He also commented on the Greater Middle East Project, saying that its content is not clear and that Turkey is reluctant to serve as a model just because another country wants Turkey to assume such a role.

In his meeting with Mubarak, Gul requested that Egypt play a greater role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, lend support to Iraq and encourage a lifting of the economic sanctions on Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). He added that he was met with a great deal of understanding from the Egyptians.

The Foreign Minister talked about Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the Turkish candidate for the OIC Secretary General. Gul said that Egypt is very familiar with Ihsanoglu. "We had previously reached a decision in principle with Egypt on this subject. The atmosphere was highly positive," added Gul.

Gul then emphasized that campaigning for TRNC’s recognition is not Turkey’s priority at the moment. "We are expecting very good developments. The United Nations Secretary-General presented a very positive report on the subject. Of course, it will be sometime before we see a return on these [developments]. We would like our friends to be helpful."

Gul underlined the fact that in terms of their past, geographical position and potential, both Egypt and Turkey are two extremely important countries in the Middle East. "With close cooperation we could take the relations between the two countries to a higher level," Gul indicated. "This is my third visit to Egypt; the first time was as Prime Minister and the last two as Foreign Minister. Mubarak in return came to Turkey a few months ago. Ministers of both countries are continuously coming and going. I could say that our political relations have reached a better state.

"The most important issues of the world occur in our region. Palestine and Iraq are the most important of all. We are trying to adopt a joint position on these two subjects. The OIC will make important decisions. We will evaluate these matters mutually. Besides, Egypt is a door to Africa and one of the most pioneering countries in the Arab world. Historical bonds between the two countries are important in our relations."