Turkey, Egypt hold 2nd round of normalization talks

ANKARA - Turkey and Egypt started the second round of normalization talks on Tuesday in the Turkish capital of Ankara, in a bid to end years of strained ties.

"If we reach a consensus after the meetings, we will take the necessary mutual steps to appoint an ambassador," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said.

Turkey is also open to start talks for reaching a maritime boundaries agreement if Cairo agrees, Cavusoglu spoke to the NTV broadcaster.

On May 5, the two countries held the first round of normalization talks in the Egyptian capital of Cairo, which was the first direct high-level meeting held by the two sides since 2013.

The relations between Ankara and Cairo deteriorated in 2013 following the ouster of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, who was supported by Turkey. Enditem