Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Egypt, Turkey hold talks on Africa, Libya
Egypt and Turkey held a new round of consultations focused on Africa and Libya, discussing ways to support stability, counter terrorism and advance development, Egypt’s foreign ministry said.
The ministry said it hosted the third round of Egyptian-Turkish consultations on Africa, which centred on the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, alongside a sixth round of talks on Libya.
The Egyptian side on African issues was led by Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs Mohamed Karim Sherif, while the Libya track was led by Assistant Foreign Minister and Libya Department Director Bassel Salah, the ministry said. The Turkish delegation was headed by Ali Onaner, director general for North and East Africa at Turkey’s foreign ministry.
The two sides discussed developments in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, stressing the importance of safeguarding Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, the statement said. They reviewed efforts to support Somalia in achieving security and stability, combating terrorism and extending state authority across the country, and explored cooperation in building the capacity of Somali personnel in various fields to support development.
Both countries also emphasised strengthening maritime security in the Red Sea, describing it as a key route for international navigation and trade, and said regional conflicts should not spill over to the Red Sea and its coasts.
On the Sahel, the ministry said, the consultations addressed the situation in the region, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to supporting states of the Sahel confederation in confronting terrorist groups and working to restore stability as soon as possible.
In talks on Libya, the delegations exchanged views on political and security developments and discussed ways to support the UN-backed political process while preserving Libya’s unity and sovereignty, the statement said. They also underscored the need to encourage dialogue among Libyan parties and create conditions for holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections to meet Libyans’ aspirations for stability and development.