“The unity of the Turkish nation and the Egyptian people is very important for us,” Mr. Tayyip Erdoganreferring to his meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

When asked by a journalist about the photo frame of the meeting, the topics of discussion and future “steps to normalize” relations between the two countries, the Turkish President stressed that “we said that the process could begin. A step has been taken here to launch such a process, and we have already spoken to the best. I hope that the process started with our ministers will lead to a positive outcome in the form of high-level meetings. For me, Turkish-Egyptian relations are not (just) a meeting of leaders, the former unity of the Turkish nation and the Egyptian people is very important for us. We noted it. God willing, if nothing extraordinary happens, we will take this step for the better.”

He also added that “Our only request to them (Egypt) is that through these negotiations to establish peace here against those who are opposed to us in the Eastern Mediterranean, and let us continue our journey with him (peace), if God wants.”

The representative of the Egyptian presidency also mentioned the meeting of the leaders of the two countries on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the World Cup in Qatar. He noted that both sides emphasized the historical ties between the two countries and their peoples. It was also decided that this meeting will initiate the development of bilateral relations.