Egypt and Turkey have recently taken significant steps towards resolving their diplomatic tensions, marking the end of a decade-long strain between these influential regional powers. 

Both nations announced via a tweet on Tuesday the appointment of ambassadors, signifying their commitment to restoring normal relations and fostering positive engagement.

In a joint statement, the two countries said the move “reflects the mutual will to develop bilateral relations in line with the interests of the Turkish and Egyptian peoples.”

The two countries announced in May that they would upgrade ties and exchange ambassadors when Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi called his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to congratulate him on his re-election.

Egypt nominated diplomat Amr al-Hamamy as its ambassador in Ankara, and Turkey nominated Salih Mutlu Şen to be its envoy in Cairo, according to the joint statement.

Relations between Egypt and Turkey soured in mid-2013 after the Egyptian army led by al-Sissi toppled Egypt’s then-Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.

Mr Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development Party was a main backer of Mr Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood.

In response, Egypt expelled the Turkish ambassador and downgraded ties with Ankara to charge d’affaires.

The two countries also supported opposing sides in conflict-torn Libya.

(NAN)