Rebuilding Bridges: Egypt's Sisi and Turkey's Erdogan Strengthen Ties Amid Regional Crises

 

In a visit that highlights a significant shift in regional dynamics, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi travelled to Turkey for the first time in 12 years to meet Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. The visit comes at a time when both nations are navigating complex regional conflicts, including the Gaza war and the Libyan crisis, while also seeking to repair and strengthen bilateral ties after a decade of estrangement.

From Estrangement to Reconciliation

The breakdown in relations between Egypt and Turkey dates back to 2013, when Sisi, then Egypt’s army chief, led the ousting of Egypt’s first democratically elected president, Mohamed Mursi. Mursi, who had the backing of Turkey and Erdogan’s support, was a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. His removal sparked a sharp diplomatic rift between the two nations, which would last for years.

Efforts to reconcile began in 2020 when Turkey embarked on a diplomatic campaign to mend relations with regional rivals, including Egypt. By 2022, the two countries had restored diplomatic representation by reappointing ambassadors, and Turkey committed to enhancing its military support to Egypt, agreeing to provide Cairo with armed drones.

Addressing the Gaza Conflict

A key issue discussed during the visit was the ongoing Gaza conflict. Both Erdogan and Sisi reaffirmed their countries' shared stance on the Palestinian cause, with calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to violence in the West Bank. Turkey, which has condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, has sent significant humanitarian aid to Egypt for distribution to Palestinian civilians and praised Cairo’s role as a mediator in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage exchanges between Israel and Hamas.

This renewed cooperation on the Palestinian issue underscores the growing alignment of interests between the two nations, despite their recent history of tensions. Both leaders expressed their mutual desire to support Palestinian self-determination and highlighted the humanitarian crisis affecting the region.

Economic Ties and Strategic Cooperation

In addition to regional conflicts, the two presidents explored avenues for enhanced economic cooperation. They agreed to boost bilateral trade, setting an ambitious target of $15 billion in annual trade within the next five years, up from the current $5 billion. This economic partnership is expected to cover several critical sectors, including energy, agriculture, tourism, and transportation.

Notably, the meeting saw the signing of 18 memorandums of understanding covering sectors such as defence, energy, health, culture, finance, and education. Erdogan specifically emphasized the importance of cooperation in natural gas and nuclear energy, as both countries seek to expand their energy portfolios and leverage each other's resources for mutual benefit.

The Libyan Conflict: A Path Forward?

Another topic of discussion was the ongoing conflict in Libya, where Egypt and Turkey have historically supported opposing factions. However, the two leaders stressed the need to find a political resolution to the crisis. Sisi called for the simultaneous holding of presidential and parliamentary elections and the withdrawal of illegal foreign forces and armed militias from Libya. Both leaders agreed that resolving the Libyan crisis is essential for regional stability and signaled their readiness to work together towards a peaceful settlement.

A New Era for Turkey-Egypt Relations

The significance of this visit cannot be overstated. For Egypt and Turkey, two of the most influential powers in the Middle East, this meeting represents a renewed commitment to diplomacy and collaboration. As Erdogan and Sisi continue to mend fences, their cooperation on regional issues, from the Gaza conflict to the Libyan crisis, could shape the future of the Middle East for years to come.

Moreover, their focus on economic cooperation, especially in energy, signals a new era of partnership that has the potential to foster significant economic growth for both countries. As the two nations rebuild their relationship, this visit marks the beginning of what could be a lasting partnership that benefits not just Egypt and Turkey, but the broader region as well.