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"It's likely that Turkey’s ties to Egypt will deepen if Mubarak steps down. However if Mubarak chooses to stay in power for much longer it is likely to affect the country's relations with Turkey as the Turkish prime minister has already urged Mubarak to listen to his people's demands and to step down and allow democracy to flourish. In a speech last Tuesday the Turkish prime minister also urged Egyptians to act peacefully and with dignity as befitted a country with such a rich history and culture.
While this speech was welcomed by many Egyptians it also had the effect of closing down communications between the two countries. This cooling of relations between the two countries is likely to affect other countries in the Middle East until there is a change of power in Egypt. Turkey has always been very careful not to present itself as a model of democracy to other countries in the Middle East and is sensitive about not meddling with Egyptian internal affairs but instead choosing to side with the people.
Even though Turkey does not present itself as a model country it is likely to be increasingly seen as such, and can offer valuable support to other countries who are trying to become more democratic and economically dynamic. Turkey has already evacuated some 3000 people from Egypt's but still considers the country to be friendly. Turkish Minister Faruk Celik has underlined the fact that Ankara would like to see Egypt become more democratic and has offered Turkey’s to help to implement reforms which may signal that Turkey is prepared to become more proactive in foreign affairs.
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