Turkish ambassador to Egypt hopeful about Cairo-Ankara ties

By Orhan Guvel

CAIRO (AA) – Turkish Ambassador to Egypt Huseyin Avni Botsali voiced hopes that the relations between his country and Egypt would continue developing, citing historic ties and common interests.

"International relations in the 21th century direct economic development, prosperity, growth and investments in any place in the world," the diplomat told a dinner banquet at his residence in Cairo.

Botsali said he would leave Cairo within days after Egypt downgraded its diplomatic relations with Turkey to the level of charge d'affaires.

In a statement earlier this week, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry declared the Turkish ambassador a "persona non-grata" and decided to permanent recall its ambassador from Ankara.

It linked the decision to statements made by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan about Egypt's domestic affairs and his criticism of Egyptian authorities.

Later, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced downgrading diplomatic relations with Egypt to the level of charge d'affaires.

englishnews@aa.com.tr