Turkish President Abdullah Gul said to Anatolia News Agency on 6/2/2013 Turkey considers Egypt as a strategic partner in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

He added that the Egyptian-Turkish relations acquired new important dimension after the Egyptian Revolution.

Gul said that those relations should be promoted through devoting all capabilities in that promising period to reach the best levels.

He added "within this framework, I was keen on visiting Egypt after a month and a half of the Revolution to be the first President who visits it after the Revolution."

Turkey and Egypt can exert joint efforts to contribute to peace and stability in the region, he underlined, adding that the latest truce in Gaza last November was an example of the Turkish-Egyptian partnership.

Gul pointed out that Turkey extended financial and technical support to Egypt, which he said is passing through a critical period. He added that his country would continue to support Egypt in all fields.

He, further, expressed pleasure as the trade volume between the two countries reached $ 5 billion in 2012, noting that it should be increased to $10 billion in the shortest possible time.

The Turkish President said Turkey welcomes Egypt's democratic transformation and appreciates the efforts it exerts in this phase. He confirmed that Egypt progresses steadily on the track of democratic transformation, which may become somewhat long and require more patience and sacrifice.