In the eighth seminar of “Turkey and the Middle East in the 21st Century” organized by the Istanbul Branch of the Center for Economic and Social Research (ESAM), Egypt, one of the most important countries in the Middle East, was discussed. Speaking at the seminar moderated by Assoc. Dr. Eldar Hasanoğlu, Middle East Studies Center (ORSAM) President Prof. Dr. Ahmet Uysal shared important information about the political structure, historical and cultural aspects of Egypt, and the progress in the relations between Egypt and Turkey.
“OUR RELATIONS WITH EGYPT ARE VERY STRONG”
Referring to the historical and cultural accumulation of Egypt, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Uysal said, “Just as Turkey is a bridge between the continents of Asia and Europe, Egypt is in the position of a bridge between the continents of Asia and Africa. Egypt is a very critical country that cannot be neglected. Turkey and Egypt are the two great bastions of Sunnism, they represent the moderate understanding of the Islamic world. The lands of Egypt are very fertile. The Suez Canal and the Nile River are two of the country's important wealth. The culture and civilization of Egypt is very old. In every respect, as Turkey, our connection, relations and ties with Egypt are very strong.”
“TURKEY AND EGYPT CAN COOPERATE IN MANY AREAS”
Saying “Whichever way Turkey and Egypt go together, the whole region will follow them,” Prof. Dr. Ahmet Uysal added, “In addition to the historical, geographical and cultural harmony, the joint population of Turkey and Egypt is close to 200 million. The cooperation of the two countries is suitable for creating a big wave and momentum in the region. Of course, there is a relationship process based on common interests. Collaboration can be done in many areas. The two countries have complementary advantages in trade. Egypt's youth population potential is very high, so its production potential is also very high, but most of the young people are unemployed and go abroad to work. Investors cannot be attracted because there is no democratic environment in the country. There are Turkish companies doing business in various sectors in Egypt, even in times of troubled diplomatic relations. Our commercial relations continued.”
“THE FORMULA RECOMMENDED BY TURKEY WORKS FOR EGYPT”
In the last part of his speech, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Uysal said, “The formula proposed by Turkey in the Mediterranean works for Egypt as well as for Libya. The Egyptian administration sees this advantage, but they have entered a path with Greece. Egypt is a country that can negotiate very hard due to its traditions, they are currently in the process of diplomatic bargaining with Turkey. Turkey's relations with Egypt have a potential far beyond minor problems. Since the agreement between Turkey and Egypt has the potential to strengthen and develop the region, this cooperation is not adopted by global powers. This region is the focal point of all empires, the intersection of continents. The Middle East is still under the control of the imperialists, and the development of cooperation between Turkey and Egypt will lead to a decrease in the control of global powers in the region.”