Egypt has expressed reservations on the establishment of a joint Arab-Turkish business council, mentioned in the draft closing statement of a meeting of economy, trade and investment ministers of Turkey and Arab League member countries.
Saeed Abdullah, head of the Egyptian delegation, said on the sidelines of the second Turkey-Arab League economy, held in Kuwait, that the article 26 of the draft was not reviewed during the preliminary meetings, which stipulates establishing Arab-Turkish business council.
The Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce earlier expressed reservations on establishing the business council under the umbrella of the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry And Agriculture for Arab Countries due to Turkey’s insistence on nominating the businessmen association, that is allegedly tied to the Muslim Brotherhood, to represent it at the council.
An informed source said Turkey selected an association to represent it, which Egypt has rejected. We can withdraw our reservation, if the Turkish representation comes through the Turkish federation of chambers of commerce, industry and stock exchanges, which is our counterpart, and not the association.
In related news, Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said that canceling the Ro-Ro agreement with Egypt does not hinder the Turkish-Gulf exports.
Media reports earlier quoted Egyptian officials as saying that Egypt decided not to renew the agreement, according to which Turkey transfers its goods to the Gulf countries, adding that the agreement will end this month.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
