Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said cooperation with Egypt is strengthening regional stability and should be deepened through trade and investment partnerships.
Speaking in Cairo, Erdogan said Ankara aims to reach a bilateral trade volume of $15 billion through close coordination with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
He said the two sides reviewed economic ties at a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting and signed agreements broadening cooperation across sectors.
Erdogan argued that rising global protectionism makes international cooperation essential for sustaining growth and shared prosperity.
He described Egypt as Turkey’s largest trading partner in Africa, with trade exceeding $8 billion and strong mutual market shares.
Erdogan said trade ministers will convene the next High-Level Trade Consultation Mechanism meeting in Ankara.
He added that work is under way to update the free trade agreement to include agricultural products.
Erdogan said Turkish investments in Egypt are nearing $4 billion and currently provide employment for around 100,000 Egyptians.
He noted that Turkish contractors have completed 27 projects in Egypt worth more than $1 billion.
Erdogan expressed hope that Turkish firms will help build Egypt’s planned smart cities under its Vision 2030 programme.
He also thanked Egypt for cooperation on Gaza aid deliveries and said Ankara wants to work with Cairo on Gaza’s reconstruction.
Erdogan departed Cairo for Turkey after concluding his official visit.