Turkey, Egypt also elected representatives; end of the year of tension between regional powers | World news

Egypt and Turkey took a step toward restoring full diplomatic ties on Tuesday by sending representatives for the first time in years, the latest step in reconciliation between the two regional powers.

In a joint statement, both countries announced the appointment of Salih Mutlu Sen as the Turkish ambassador to Cairo and Amr Elhamamy as the Egyptian ambassador to Ankara.

“This step aims to establish normal relations between the two countries and show their mutual determination to work towards improving their bilateral relations for the best interest of the citizens of Turkey and Egypt,” the statement said. said.

Egypt and Turkey expelled their embassies as the crisis between them flared up after Egypt’s 2013 military ousted Islamist president Mohammed Morsi amid massive protests against a year-long separatist government.

Morsi hails from the Muslim Brotherhood, which Turkey supports. Egypt has designated the group a terrorist group.

The Egyptian government celebrated the 10th anniversary of the anti-Brotherhood protests on June 30.

The connection between the two countries is part of Turkey’s efforts to build bridges with countries in the region and end its global isolation amid the economic slowdown. Turkey recently renewed its relations with Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.