(MENAFN) Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty arrived in Ankara on Wednesday to chart an ambitious economic partnership, pledging his government's full backing for expanded bilateral commerce and investment opportunities between the two regional powers.

The high-level diplomatic roundtable convened under the direction of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) President Rifat Hisarciklioglu, with discussions centered on dismantling trade barriers and unlocking dormant growth potential across multiple sectors.

Before formal proceedings commenced, Abdelatty extended condolences regarding the recent tragedy involving a C-130 military cargo plane that crashed near the Georgia–Azerbaijan border.

Acknowledging the pivotal role played by Hisarciklioglu in preserving diplomatic bridges during periods of political tension, the Egyptian official stated: "He (Hisarciklioglu) has managed to keep these relations alive even during the most difficult times, when political challenges existed between our countries. For that, we extend our sincere thanks and respect to him."

The two nations face a critical moment for economic revitalization. Current bilateral trade reached $8.8 billion in 2024—a year-on-year improvement, yet considerably below the $15 billion target both governments are pursuing. Abdelatty emphasized the gap, describing present volumes as "not at the level we desire."

Last year's presidential visit by Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to Ankara produced concrete trade objectives discussed with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Abdelatty characterized the ambitious goal as "not impossible," given the nations' complementary economic strengths.

Egypt, positioned as Africa's gateway, brings considerable leverage to negotiations. The country commands a substantial domestic consumer base alongside preferential trade frameworks spanning Arab nations and the broader African continent. Turkish capital already operates at meaningful scale, with existing investments totaling approximately $3 billion.

"Without a doubt, we will offer you all available facilities," Abdelatty stated. "You need us, and we need you. We are your gateway to Africa. Egypt has a large domestic market as well as free trade agreements with Arab countries and across the African continent. Türkiye, too, is a major and important country.

"As my esteemed brother Hisarcıklıoğlu has pointed out, Turkish investments in our country currently amount to around $3 billion. But we expect even more.

"There are vast opportunities in construction, infrastructure, digitalization, food security, and artificial intelligence where we can benefit from our mutual expertise."

Beyond traditional commerce, tourism and healthcare represent emerging growth vectors. Cairo aims to surpass 18 million international arrivals this year, creating secondary demand for Turkish hospitality and medical services. "Our goal this year is to surpass 18 million tourists," Abdelatty noted, signaling the sector's strategic importance to economic expansion.

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