Egypt, Turkiye stress Horn of Africa's stability, counter-terror

CAIRO, Nov 13 (KUNA) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on Thursday affirmed the importance of preserving stability in the Horn of Africa and combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of its location or perpetrators.
This came in a joint statement, as the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the remarks came following Abdelatty's visit to Ankara to chair a meeting of the Joint Planning Group between the two countries.
The meeting addressed regional issues of mutual concern, in addition to bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Turkiye.
The joint statement commended the efforts of the US to end the war in Gaza, underscoring the importance of partnership with Washington in promoting peace in the region.
It welcomed the progress achieved so far, reaffirming Egypt and Tأ¼rkiye's commitment to the outcomes of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit held on October 13, 2025, within the framework of the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict issued on September 29, 2025.
The statement also called for active participation and international contribution to the upcoming International Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, expected to be hosted by Egypt in 2025.
Both countries reiterated their continued support to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and their cooperation in providing humanitarian assistance to those in need in the Strip.
The statement praised the ongoing reforms by the Palestinian Authority aimed at facilitating its return to assume responsibilities in Gaza once appropriate conditions are met. It reaffirmed the need to achieve a two-state solution with two democratic and sovereign states living side by side in peace and security within secure and recognized borders, based on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine.
On Syria, both sides reaffirmed their mutual support for the Syrian people in their pursuit of a comprehensive political process leading to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous future. They stressed the importance of ensuring stability and security in Syria based on preserving its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while combating terrorism in all its forms and ensuring Syrian territories do not become a source of threat to the security and stability of neighboring countries and the region.
The statement called on the international community to intensify early recovery and reconstruction assistance to improve the living conditions of the Syrian people, and reiterated the importance of maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa.
Both ministers renewed their firm support for Somalia's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and for the Federal Government's efforts to combat terrorism, encouraging all relevant international partners to secure sustainable and predictable funding for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
On Sudan, the joint communiquأ© expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict that has led to devastating humanitarian consequences across the country, reaffirming Egypt and Turkiye's commitment to Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and public order.
Regarding Libya, both countries reiterated their joint commitment to safeguarding the stability, security, and sovereignty of Libya, and to supporting international efforts in this regard, particularly the UN roadmap. They also reaffirmed their shared vision of the Eastern Mediterranean as a region of prosperity and stability.
On bilateral relations, the statement noted the establishment of the Joint Planning Group mechanism, co-chaired by the two foreign ministers, under the joint declaration signed by the Presidents of Egypt and Turkiye in Cairo in February 2024. The mechanism aims to lay the groundwork for the upcoming meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
Both ministers renewed their commitment and determination to enhance and further develop the positive momentum in bilateral relations between Egypt and Turkiye within the framework of the vision set by their leaders. (end) aff.bb