The Federation of the Egyptian Chambers of Commerce decided to suspend all official trade relations with the Turkey in protest to offensive remarks by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan against Azhar Grand Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb.

The federation, which represents the business society in various economic sectors, stipulated that Erdogan must officially apologize to the people of Egypt if trade relations with Turkey are to be restored.

Erdogan has criticized the Azhar Sheikh’s support for what he called a military coup in Egypt.

Ahmed al-Wakil, the federation's head, urged Turkish investors to swiftly relay the objections of Egypt's business society to Turkish officials.

Turkey showed support for deposed President Mohamed Mursi and his Muslim Brotherhood since the army overthrew Mursi last month.

It described Mursi's ouster as an "unacceptable military coup".