Türkiye’s ambassador stresses economic, humanitarian partnerships with Egypt

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Egypt Salih Mutlu Sen emphasized a “win-win” economic strategy to boost trade and investment between Türkiye and Egypt, while also discussing Türkiye’s commitment to humanitarian efforts in Gaza and other affected regions.

Sen highlighted the potential for cooperation in energy, trade and humanitarian support during an interview with Anadolu Agency on Tuesday.

Expanding Türkiye-Egypt trade and economic integration

Ambassador Sen pointed to the positive growth in trade between Türkiye and Egypt, mentioning that bilateral trade is set to surpass $9 billion in 2024.

“In Turkish-Egyptian modern history, this year will mark a record high in trade volume, reaching $9 billion,” he noted.

Sen added that expanding the Free Trade Agreement between Türkiye and Egypt would be crucial for long-term growth, with a target of $15 billion over the next five years.

The Free Trade Agreement is the backbone of bilateral trade, which allows goods to be traded between the two countries without any customs duties. In the modern Turkish-Egyptian history, we will break a record by exceeding 9 billion dollars in trade volume. If we continue with the current momentum, we will reach our target of 15 billion dollars within 5 years.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Egypt, Salih Mutlu Sen

Trade and energy opportunities in LNG supply

While noting Türkiye’s interest in Egyptian liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of its energy security strategy, Sen acknowledged that supply issues had prevented imports in 2024.

However, Türkiye remains keen on direct LNG procurement from Egypt in the future, which could amount to approximately $1.5 billion to $2 billion if supplies increase.

“Türkiye’s LNG conversion capacity is among the highest in Europe,” he said, suggesting that an expansion in Egypt’s LNG output could secure a larger role for Egyptian energy in Türkiye’s supply chain.

LNG plays a very important role in Türkiye’s energy security. And we even want to procure it directly from Egypt. Not from international spot markets.

Türkiye’s capacity to convert LNG into gas is also very high. In fact, it is at the forefront of Europe in terms of capacity. Therefore, if Egypt’s LNG supply capability can be restored to its previous levels or even further, we can expect to buy LNG for a very serious amount of 1.5-2 billion dollars.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Egypt, Salih Mutlu Sen

Tourism, investment and job creation potential

The ambassador highlighted strong tourism and investment opportunities, expressing optimism for increasing Egyptian tourism to Türkiye, which welcomed 344,000 Egyptian visitors in 2023.

“We anticipate Egyptian tourist numbers could easily reach 500,000 within the next five years,” Sen projected.

For Turkish investors, Egypt’s economic integration agreements with African and Arab nations provide strategic advantages, especially in textile production.

“Through established economic integration agreements with Africa, the Arab world, and the U.S., Egypt allows Turkish manufacturers duty-free access to U.S. markets,” Sen explained, noting that Egypt’s favorable labor costs also benefit Turkish businesses.

Humanitarian assistance and Türkiye’s response to Gaza crisis

On the humanitarian front, Ambassador Sen underscored Türkiye’s sensitivity to crises affecting vulnerable populations in Gaza, Sudan, and Somalia. In response to recent humanitarian needs in Gaza, Sen reported that Türkiye has coordinated logistics support through Egypt, sending aid shipments via sea and land routes.

“Türkiye has a longstanding commitment to supporting oppressed communities everywhere, and our people have shown immense support through donations to organizations such as the Turkish Red Crescent and AFAD,” Sen said.

He acknowledged the logistical support Egypt has provided, noting Türkiye’s status as a primary aid contributor to Gaza despite Israel’s control over the Rafah border.

Call for effective UN mechanism for Gaza

Ambassador Sen voiced Türkiye’s concerns about the lack of efficient aid delivery mechanisms for Gaza, calling for a more effective U.N.-led system.

“The current U.N. mechanism is not impactful in ensuring sufficient humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. A new U.N. Security Council resolution and international collaboration are essential,” he stated.

Ambassador Sen concluded by reaffirming Türkiye’s active role in pursuing a more coordinated international response. “Türkiye will continue its efforts to establish an effective humanitarian delivery mechanism, particularly through engaging the United Nations and working toward a structured solution that supports Gaza’s most vulnerable populations.”