LOC21:21
18:21 GMT
CAIRO, Feb 4 (KUNA) -- Egypt and Turkiye agreed on Wednesday to promote their strategic operation, underlining the pivotal role of bilateral economic cooperation.
This came in a joint declaration adopted following the second meeting of the high-level strategic cooperation council of Egypt and Turkiye, Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency Ambassador Mohammad Al-Shennawi said in a press statement.
The declaration affirmed shared determination to consolidate coordination and cooperation in international and regional forums in support of global efforts to address such common challenges as international peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, environmental protection and food security.
It also underlined the role of the Joint Planning Group as the main mechanism for overseeing and coordinating bilateral relations in all domains.
The document welcomed the signing of memoranda of understanding in key fields involving cooperation in defense, investment, trade, agriculture, health, youth and sports and social protection.
The two-way trade exchange hit nearly nine billion US dollars, it said, adding that this figure is planned to jump to USD 15 billion by 2028 through a further promotion of economic and trade cooperation.
In addition, both sides agreed to improve the investment environment, set up a national committee to follow up on Turkish investments in Egypt and promote industrial cooperation, joint manufacturing, technology transfer, innovation, green transformation and renewable energy.
Regarding Gaza, Egypt and Turkiye restated their support for US President Donald Trump's comprehensive plan to end the war in Gaza, including the Israeli occupation's commitment to a full withdrawal from Gaza.
They emphasized the centrality of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 in charting the course of the interim transitional phase until the Palestinian Authority completes the necessary reforms, empowering it to re-manage the Gaza Strip.
They also underscored the urgent need to launch the Gaza recovery and reconstruction process at an early date, voicing willingness to help in this regard, according to the declaration. (end)
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