BAKU
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Wednesday criticizing the military coup in Egypt and being concerned about the recent situation there does not mean interfering in the North African nation's internal affairs.
Egypt is a dear friend and important ally for Turkey, Davutoglu said, and every development there has influence on the entire Middle East region.
"We recognize every segment of the political spectrum in Egypt as our brothers and friends. The region needs more than ever for the recovery of stability in Egypt," Davutoglu said in a joint press conference with his Azeri counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov.
"For this, everyone must strive for the will of the Egyptian people to manifest itself."
Turkey has adopted a policy toward Egypt that emphasizes trust in the Egyptian people, and is rightfully concerned over the toppling of the first democratically elected president of Egypt, Davutoglu said.
"Voicing such concerns and demanding the start of a political process that bases its legitimacy on the people should not be perceived as interference in domestic affairs," he said. "Otherwise, the countries who defended the coup and sent congratulatory messages to the new government would also be interfering in Egypt's affairs."
Turkey has provided Egypt with financial support to the tune of $2 billion in loan, Davutoglu said, and has investments that support the employment of fifty thousand people in the country.
"In this respect, Turkey-Egypt relations would never be interrupted," he said.
"What's important is for the elected government to regain its mandate."
