"More than just a photo": Widespread reaction to the meeting of the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey inside a restaurant

A photo showing the foreign ministers of Egypt, Badr Abdel-Aty, Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Farhan, and Turkey, Hakan Fidan, together has sparked widespread reaction, as the ministers met at a restaurant in the coastal city of El Alamein in northern Egypt.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on its Facebook page on Friday that the three ministers held a "fraternal meeting" in the city of El Alamein and discussed the latest developments in the region.

The photo sparked widespread reaction, after the three ministers attended the meeting in informal attire, in addition to their meeting inside one of the city's restaurants away from the official atmosphere and protocols.

Turki Al-Sheikh, the head of the Saudi Entertainment Authority, reposted the image using a heart emoji.

One commentator wrote: "The meeting in El Alamein is not a protocol photo opportunity; rather, it is a tripartite coordination. When Cairo, Riyadh, and Ankara get closer, the space for chaos and external tutelage shrinks. What is needed now is a permanent mechanism, not seasonal meetings."

One commentator described the meeting as "a meeting of brothers and friends... confirming that relations are strong and cooperation is ongoing... and the picture refutes the rumors of the Brotherhood of Satan."

Another wrote: "This is not the usual picture of a meeting of three foreign ministers. No negotiating table, no flags, no delegations, or even formal suits. Three ministers in white shirts around one table, in a scene that reflects a clear degree of ease and friendliness, especially since the Egyptian Foreign Ministry chose to publish the picture in this way."

She continued: "In diplomacy, details matter. The transition from the strictness of protocol to a session that seems more like a meeting of friends reflects the extent of the relationship between the three countries. The most beautiful thing about the picture is that its friendliness itself is a political message."

Another commentator remarked that "if this trio, in addition to Pakistan, agrees, the region is headed for great stability and deterrence. May God unite their vision to serve their people, the Arabs, and the Muslims."

The three ministers met on the sidelines of the Turkish Foreign Minister’s visit to Egypt, where he and his Egyptian counterpart chaired the second meeting of the joint planning group between Egypt and Turkey.