During the interview, FM Cavusoglu discussed the recent steps taken in the process of normalising ties with Egypt after a decade in rupture since 2013.

“It is time to take concrete steps. During Shoukry’s visit, we can take steps to appoint ambassadors,” the Turkish FM said.

Cavusoglu described his meeting with FM Shoukry during his visit to Cairo in late March, the first for a Turkish foreign minister to Egypt in over a decade, as “extremely positive.”

The Turkish FM explained that the meeting with Shoukry in Cairo tackled the normalisation of relations between the two countries and the restoration of representation at the ambassadorial level.

He added that the meeting also tackled boosting economic cooperation in the areas of energy, shipping and transportation as well as investments.

"We agreed to maximise our diplomatic relations. We have evaluated the steps needed next in this process,” added Cavusoglu.

During a press conference following their meeting in Cairo, Cavusoglu announced that preparations are underway to hold a meeting between President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

According to Turkish news channel NTV, Shoukry and Cavusoglu are expected to evaluate the process of normalisation between the two countries in their meeting in Ankara.

In late February, Shoukry visited Turkey, the first such visit by an Egyptian foreign minister to Turkey in over a decade, – where he met FM Cavusoglu to extend condolences and offer Cairo support following the devastating earthquake that in early February.

In mid-February, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly met with a delegation of 14 representatives of Turkish companies who are operating in Egypt or planning to start new investments in the country.