Egypt’s envoy to Turkey warns of economic impacts of Ankara’s posture

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

Egypt's ambassador to Turkey Abdurrahman Selahaddin left Turkey Aug. 16 after being recalled to Cairo by his government. AA photo

Egypt's ambassador to Turkey, who has been recalled to Cairo by his government for consultations, warned Ankara about the economic consequences of its hard line regarding the turmoil in the country following the July 3 military takeover.
 
“Turkey should not take only one side by supporting the Muslim Brotherhood. The steps that are going to be made in Egypt from now are going to be done for the sake of the whole country. Our expectation from our friends is to respect all Egyptians,” Ambassador Abdurrahman Selahaddin told reporters Aug. 16 at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport right before his departure to Cairo.
 
Salahaddin stressed that the statements made by Turkish officials were not “making a good impression” in Cairo, adding that this posture could well disrupt not only Turkey’s economic ties with Egypt, but also its relations with the Gulf countries.
 
“If we allow terrorism, this would affect all the countries [in the region], including Turkey. The political interest should be minded. Only the voice of dialogue can lead to a good solution,” Salahaddin said. 
 
Egypt’s envoy, who was appointed before Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated President Mohamed Morsi was overthrown by the army, said that the situation in Egypt was secure for Turkish citizens. Salahaddin also appealed for “responsibility.” 
 
“Hopefully I will come back soon. There is nothing such as breaking of ties. Responsible people will make responsible steps,” he said.
 
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had announced during his return from Turkmenistan Aug. 15 that Turkey’s envoy to Cairo had been recalled for consultations in Ankara. Egypt’s interim rule had reciprocated by announcing only a few hours later that Salahaddin was also recalled to Cairo.
 
Ambassador Hüseyin Avni Botsalı had called on Cairo to “restart the democratic process” upon his return to Istanbul Aug. 16. Botsalı’s term in Cairo was officially ended June 30, but the Turkish Foreign Ministry asked him to stay in the country longer due to the unrest.