To: Bert Zed who wrote (731 ) 2/9/2000 2:59:00 PM From: Yarek Szolomicki Respond to of 864
Egypt,Turkey hope to promote bilateral ties Egypt, Politics, 2/3/2000 President Suleyman Demirel yesterday expressed appreciation over President Hosni Mubarak's efforts in boosting Egyptian-Turkish relations in the various fields. Demirel received visiting Egyptian Petroleum Minister Sameh Fahmi, who conveyed a message from Mubarak on his interest in advancing the bilateral energy ties according to signed protocols. Speaking to the press after the meeting, Fahmi said Demirel voiced his total support for cooperation with Egypt in the field of energy and the adoption of all measures that would set in motion the project for the export of Egyptian natural gas to Turkey. He also expressed interest in advancing all efforts in the energy domain in general. "Demirel asked that mechanisms be established and measures adopted to further this project," Fahmi said. Demirel highlighted the importance of promoting relations between his country and Egypt. He described as strategic his country's relations during the few past years with Egypt. "Egypt and Turkey as major countries in the region share identical views on regional and international issues particularly the Middle East peace process," The Turkish President said. He added that Egypt and Turkey' are making persistent efforts to establish a lasting peace in the region. Demirel underlined cooperation between the two countries in energy domains, adding that through exportation of Egyptian natural gas to Turkey a new market for energy would be set up in the Middle East. The Egyptian Minister asserted Cairo's interest in furthering relations with Turkey in all domains including energy. Fahmi following meeting with his Turkish counterpart said Egypt has many finds of natural gas in big quantities that allow it increasing its exports. "Studies are under way to find out the best way to export the gas either by tankers or pipelines" Fahmi Said. On his part, the Turkish Minister described his country's relations with Egypt as excellent pointing to the two sides' interest in raising mutual cooperation. "If peace prevails in the Middle East, cooperation in the region will go up especially in the fields of energy," he added. Egypt's Ambassador in Ankara Fathi Al Shazli voiced optimism over finalizing arrangements for transporting natural gas to Turkey, as Presidents Mubarak and Demirel signed a memo of understanding in this regard in December 1998.