Turkish Ambassador Praises Military Ties with Egypt

Turkish Ambassador to Cairo Salih Mutlu Şen hosted a reception at the Turkish Embassy’s garden on August 30 to mark Victory Day, celebrated as “Armed Forces Day” in Turkey.

The event was attended by NATO ambassadors, military attachés, and Egyptian and Turkish dignitaries. The reception featured performances of the Turkish and Egyptian national anthems by a local Egyptian band, along with Turkish military music.

In his address, Ambassador Şen praised Turkey's rich military heritage and its ongoing advancements in defense technology.

He emphasized that Victory Day holds special significance for Turkey, reflecting its historical military traditions.

Şen highlighted the strong historical ties between Turkey and Egypt, noting that Turkish soldiers, including the notable Tulunids, laid the foundations for these relations as early as 868 AD.

He also acknowledged the Mamluks, who were established by Turkish soldiers from Central Asia.

Turkey's military, described by Şen as advanced and effective, is the second-largest in NATO. Over the past 22 years under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has made significant strides in defense industries, driven by its military traditions and technological advancements dating back to the Ottoman era.

The ambassador emphasized Turkey's robust defense capabilities and their role in bolstering confidence among allies.

He noted that Turkey’s defense industry is now producing aircraft carriers intended for global use.

Şen drew parallels between the Turkish and Egyptian armies, citing their shared historical and traditional connections.

He praised the Egyptian military as one of the most powerful in the region, acknowledging its heroic sacrifices for Egypt and the Palestinian cause.

The ambassador referenced the enduring historical and traditional ties between the two militaries, pointing out that military terms and ranks from Turkish heritage are still in use today.

Addressing the recent ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, Şen reiterated Turkey’s support for ending the conflict and alleviating Palestinian suffering.

He commended Egypt's efforts in mediating and providing humanitarian aid, while urging continued joint efforts with Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. to resolve the conflict. Turkey is prepared to assist in Gaza’s reconstruction and will collaborate closely with Egypt on this issue.

Şen also highlighted recent developments in bilateral relations, noting the successful visit of the Turkish warship TCG Kınalıada to Alexandria after a 12-year hiatus. During the visit, a reception was held aboard the ship, and Turkish naval officials paid courtesy visits to Egyptian military leaders.

Turkey was one of the top three participants in the EDEX international defense exhibition last year, showcasing numerous Turkish defense products. Şen expressed Turkey's enthusiasm for participating in the inaugural Egypt Airshow, featuring the Turkish-made "Hürjet" light attack and training aircraft, along with two F-16s.

In closing, Şen acknowledged the prestigious status of the Egyptian Armed Forces and announced the promotion of the Turkish military attaché in Cairo from Colonel to Brigadier General.

He expressed anticipation for a forthcoming visit by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, which is expected to further strengthen the historical bonds between Turkey and Egypt and lead to numerous agreements across economic, commercial, and technical domains.