Turkey has in recent months been pushing to repair links with Egypt and Gulf nations on a win-win basis, as Ankara works to repair its damaged relations with Cairo and some Gulf Arab nations after years of tensions.
“We have serious potential for cooperation with Egypt in a wide spectrum of areas from the eastern Mediterranean to Libya,” said Edogan, adding that he “loved” the Egyptian people.
On the other hand, Egypt has so far responded cautiously to Turkish overtures and because, despite the elements in favor of a possible “Grand Bargain” between the two countries, there are still too many conflicting interests, especially regarding Libya.
Egypt has drafted a general framework for relations between Cairo and Ankara, which can be described as a comprehensive deal that includes several items that need to be respected in full.
Turkey’s push for cooperation comes as Ankara seeks to end its growing regional and international isolation.
However, Erdogan on Tuesday warned that the United States risked “losing a precious friend” if it tries to corner his country, speaking two weeks before his first meeting with US counterpart Joe Biden.
Turkey also is facing pressure in Europe, with tensions brewing between Ankara and Paris over policies in Syria, Libya, the Eastern Mediterranean and Nagorno-Karabakh.
Since 25 March, the return of Syrian mercenaries sent by Turkey to Libya has stalled. Yet, there are reports that, since 8 April, Turkey has sent 380 new mercenaries, paying them a salary of USD 500/month.
Experts believe the upcoming Libyan elections on 24 December 2021 provide an important opportunity to defeat Turkish colonialism and local collaborators under Fayez Al-Sarraj.
Last month, the EU prepared punitive measures over Turkey’s dispute with members Greece and Cyprus over rights to offshore resources in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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