FM Fidan, Egyptian FM unite against Palestinian displacement in bilateral meeting

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan forcefully rejected proposals to displace Palestinians from Gaza during a significant diplomatic meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Bedr Abdulati in Ankara on Tuesday, warning that such moves would destabilize the entire region and violate international law.

“We categorically oppose any attempt to expel Palestinians from their homeland. This idea contradicts both international law and human conscience,” Fidan declared, responding to recent U.S. discussions about Palestinian displacement, including former President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza residents.

The high-level diplomatic encounter, underscoring strengthening Türkiye-Egypt relations, centered heavily on the Gaza conflict, regional stability, and expanding bilateral cooperation as both nations approach the centenary of their diplomatic relations in 2025.

Türkiye welcomes 15 Palestinian prisoners

In a significant development, Fidan disclosed that Türkiye has welcomed 15 Palestinian prisoners recently released under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. He emphasized this decision reflects Türkiye’s broader commitment to supporting peace efforts, drawing parallels to similar humanitarian initiatives during the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange.

Addressing mounting concerns about the ceasefire’s sustainability, Fidan expressed particular worry about the Netanyahu government’s intentions. “After 16 months of war, both Palestine and Israel need peace and tranquility. The international community must present a united front to prevent Netanyahu from restarting genocide for political gains,” he stated, emphasizing the critical need for sustained international pressure.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdulati strongly aligned with Türkiye’s position, reinforcing Palestinians’ inalienable right to remain in their homeland. “We have explicitly opposed all attempts to displace these noble people from their land,” he declared, showing the growing Egyptian-Turkish consensus on regional issues.

The ministers outlined ambitious plans for bilateral cooperation, revealing that trade volume between Türkiye and Egypt reached $9 billion in 2024, marking a significant $1 billion increase from the previous year. Both countries expressed commitment to reaching their $15 billion trade target, with expanding investments in energy, tourism, and defense sectors.

PKK/YPG, Daesh presence in Syria is the ‘most significant threat’

On Syria, Fidan identified Daesh and PKK/YPG as the “two most significant threats” to regional stability, emphasizing that “a historic opportunity has emerged for Syria’s transformation into a normal country.” Both ministers stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to regional security, including counterterrorism cooperation.

Responding to criticism about Türkiye’s decision to accept released Hamas prisoners, Fidan offered a robust defense: “We categorically reject any attempt by Zionist circles to transform our humanitarian support into propaganda against Türkiye. Our actions serve peace exclusively, facilitating the parties’ work and providing humanitarian support. Nothing more, nothing less.”

The ministers also addressed the situation in Libya, expressing shared commitment to maintaining the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. They emphasized the need to end the presence of foreign fighters and mercenaries while working toward national elections.

Abdulati concluded by announcing plans for a comprehensive conference in Egypt focused on post-war reconstruction efforts in Gaza, inviting Turkish participation in these crucial humanitarian initiatives. This collaborative approach marks a new chapter in Türkiye-Egypt relations, positioning both countries as key players in regional peace-building efforts.