Turkey does not meddle in Egypt's internal affairs: Turkish FM

Source:Xinhua Published: 2013-7-18 8:57:33

Visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said here on Wednesday that Turkey is concerned about the recent situation in Egypt but it doesn't interfere in the internal affairs of the north African country.

Egypt is an important ally for Turkey, Davutoglu said at a joint press conference with his Azeri counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov, adding that every development there has an impact on the entire Middle East region.

"We recognize every segment of the political spectrum in Egypt as our brothers and friends. The region needs more than ever for the recovery of stability in Egypt," Davutoglu said.

The Turkish foreign minister urged every stakeholder to strive for the will of the Egyptian people to manifest itself.

Turkey has adopted a policy toward Egypt that emphasizes trust in the Egyptian people, and is rightfully concerned over the toppling of the first democratically elected president of Egypt, Davutoglu said.

According to the foreign minister, Turkey has provided Egypt with financial support to the tune of 2 billion US dollars in loan, and has investments that support the employment of 50,000 people in the country.

"In this respect, Turkey-Egypt relations would never be interrupted," he said.

Clashes between supporters and opponents of President Mohamed Morsi have been continuing after the Egyptian military suspended the constitution of Egypt and ousted Morsi from power on July 3.

Egyptian Islamists do not recognize these decisions and demand the return of power to the legally elected president. On July 10, Egypt's Prosecutor General's Office issued a decree to arrest the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood movement.

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