Gul beginning critical visit to Egypt today

President Abdullah Gul will begin a critical trip to Egypt today, less than a month after President Hosni Mubarak was forced to step down following widespread protests. Gul's visit aims to show solidarity with the Egyptian state and people; the president is also expected to share views about the transition period with Egyptian officials. "During this short visit, I'll express our solidarity with the Egyptian people and our desire for the Egyptian state to emerge stronger from this process," the president said yesterday. The entire region is going through the most sweeping changes in its history, Gul said, adding that this change is being led by the people, and especially young people, not political leaders. The president also said Turkey and Egypt have long seen each other as brothers. "[Egypt] is going though a transition period. We'll share our experiences and ideas," he said, reiterating the crucial importance of Egypt emerging stronger from its transition process. "It is very important that the Egyptian people achieve a new democratic order under the rule of law that they desire. I will make this visit to show that Turkey stands with them during their transition period," he said. Gul is expected to meet with Egypt's new military rulers, the Supreme Military Council, which took over the administration after Mubarak's Feb. 11 resignation from three decades in power.