Turkish Ambassador to Cairo, Salih Mutlu ŞEN, welcomed prominent Egyptian guests and foreign diplomats at the Turkish dinner held at the embassy in Cairo. The event was part of the Turkish Cuisine Week, organized under the patronage of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
In his opening speech, Ambassador ŞEN highlighted that Turkish and Egyptian cuisines are among the oldest in the Middle East and have influenced each other throughout history. He noted that Egyptian people have a deep appreciation for Turkish cuisine and dishes.
Ambassador ŞEN pointed out that every region and even every district in Turkey has its unique products, with this year’s theme focusing on the cuisine of the Aegean region. He mentioned that health and medical experts recommend Mediterranean cuisine, which includes olive oil, seafood, and vegetables, for a long and healthy life free from cardiovascular diseases. He emphasized that Aegean cuisine is a distinctive part of the Mediterranean diet.
On this occasion, Ambassador ŞEN also touched on the development of Turkish-Egyptian relations in various fields, including tourism, economy, trade, industry, sports, and culture. He mentioned attending the African Tourism Forum organized by Turkish companies and the renowned Turkish Rixos Hotel in Sharm El Sheikh.
Ambassador ŞEN stated that tourism experts and officials who attended the forum from Turkey highlighted that Egypt is the richest and most prominent tourist destination in Africa with a bright future. He affirmed that Egypt’s history, culture, sea, and sand make it a highly attractive destination.
He noted that cuisine adds to the allure of tourist destinations, highlighting that many hotels in Egypt benefit from Turkish kitchen equipment and Turkish chefs. He shared his experience of meeting Turkish chefs at the Rixos Hotel during his visit to Sharm El Sheikh.
Ambassador ŞEN mentioned that "Mahshi" or "Stuffed Vine Leaves," filled with rice or bulgur, is a staple dish in Aegean cuisine and is popular in both Turkish and Egyptian cuisines. He reminisced about his childhood in the Aegean region, recalling his mother making stuffed vine leaves with bulgur.
He remarked that Egyptian tourists visiting Turkey show a keen interest in Turkish culinary arts. Ambassador ŞEN also announced that Turkey would continue to provide humanitarian aid, especially food, to Gaza with full force, stating that thousands of tons of food are ready to be shipped in cooperation with Egypt and supported by Egyptian authorities.
He emphasized that to resume humanitarian aid shipments, Israel must withdraw from the Rafah crossing and restore security. He welcomed the decision by the Egyptian Presidency, following a call between President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and US President Joe Biden, to temporarily pass humanitarian aid and fuel awaiting in Egypt through the Kerem Shalom crossing until a legal mechanism is established for the Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side, requiring Israel’s withdrawal from the crossing.
Ambassador ŞEN called on the international community to exert maximum effort and pressure on Israel to urgently deliver food aid to Gaza. He added that Turkey, with support from Egypt, is conducting activities to assist tens of thousands of Gazans who have come to Egypt.
He announced that this Eid al-Adha, the Turkish Embassy will host 500 Palestinian families and share sacrificial meat with them.
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