Türkiye, Egypt reject displacement of Palestinians from their land: Joint statement

ISTANBUL/ANKARA

Türkiye and Egypt on Tuesday rejected any attempts to displace or expel Palestinians from their homeland, urging Israel to allow the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) to continue humanitarian work.

In an official statement issued following a meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty in Ankara, it emphasized the importance of preserving the UNRWA's role and called on Israel to reverse its decisions undermining the agency's work.

It highlighted UNRWA’s role in supporting Palestinian refugees in the occupied territories.

Both nations reiterated their strong support for the Palestinian people’s resilience, attachment to their land, and legitimate rights.

They condemned any actions aimed at displacing or relocating Palestinians, warning that such measures would threaten regional stability, risk escalating conflict, and undermine prospects for peace and cooperation.

The statement also reaffirmed the two countries' commitment to a just and lasting peace based on international law, UN resolutions, and the two-state solution.

It emphasized the need to address the root causes of instability in the Middle East by establishing an independent Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Support for Gaza ceasefire, regional stability

The ministers welcomed the Gaza ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange, praising Egypt, Qatar, and the US for their mediation efforts.

They emphasized the need for increased international humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza, describing it as one of modern history's worst humanitarian disasters.

The statement urged international donors to participate in an upcoming reconstruction conference in Egypt.

Support for Syria's unity, sovereignty

Regarding Syria, the two officials reaffirmed their support for the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, emphasizing that they have ensured that it does not pose a threat to any country.

The statement emphasized the importance of an inclusive political process and the voluntary return of displaced people.

In this context, the importance of combating and eliminating terrorism, as well as maintaining good neighborly relations with other countries in the region, was emphasized.

The statement called for "zero tolerance" toward terrorism and its supporters, emphasizing the need to address root causes and cross-border movements.

It also addressed regional concerns, expressing support for Somalia's unity and backing the federal government's efforts to promote stability.

The two countries voiced concern over Sudan's humanitarian crisis while welcoming plans for aid distribution centers.

Regarding Libya, they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a Libyan-owned and led political process under the UN's facilitative efforts to ensure the country's security, stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity.

Bilateral relations

Regarding bilateral relations, the ministers said diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Egypt will celebrate their centennial in 2025.

They noted that trade volume has reached $8.8 billion, indicating a positive trend in bilateral relations, and set a target of $15 billion through increased economic cooperation.