Egypt’s Sisi Makes Historic Visit to Turkey After 12 Years: A New Chapter for Regional Diplomacy
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi made a historic visit to Turkey, marking the first presidential visit in 12 years, symbolizing a major shift in the long-frozen ties between Cairo and Ankara. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Sisi in Ankara, where both leaders discussed key regional issues, most notably the ongoing Gaza war, and strategized on ways to solidify diplomatic relations after nearly a decade of estrangement.
A Decade of Diplomatic Tensions
The relations between Egypt and Turkey soured in 2013 when Sisi, then Egypt’s army chief, led the removal of Egypt’s first democratically elected president, Mohamed Mursi, who was backed by Turkey. Mursi’s ousting resulted in the collapse of diplomatic ties, which remained frozen for years as both countries took opposing stances on various regional issues. Erdogan, a close ally of Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood, was vocally critical of the move, further deepening the rift between the two nations.
However, diplomatic efforts began in 2020, with Turkey seeking to mend relations with estranged regional rivals, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. These efforts culminated in the reappointment of ambassadors last year, signaling a new beginning in Turkey-Egypt relations. Turkey’s decision to supply Egypt with armed drones further emphasized this diplomatic thaw.
Discussions on Regional Conflicts and Cooperation
During the meeting in Ankara, Erdogan and Sisi primarily discussed the Gaza war, reaffirming their shared commitment to a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the violence in the West Bank. Both leaders expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause, aligning on the need for a peaceful resolution and emphasizing Egypt’s crucial role as a mediator in ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
The leaders also touched on the situation in Libya, where Turkey and Egypt have historically backed opposing factions in a protracted conflict. Sisi stressed the importance of resolving the Libyan crisis through presidential and parliamentary elections and called for the withdrawal of illegal foreign forces, mercenaries, and armed militias from the country.
Economic and Energy Cooperation: A New Era
Erdogan highlighted the economic and energy ties between Egypt and Turkey as a key area of growth, with both leaders agreeing to deepen cooperation in these fields. They emphasized the potential for cooperation in natural gas and nuclear energy, areas that both countries are keen to expand. During the visit, ministers from both nations signed 18 memorandums of understanding covering a wide range of sectors, including energy, defence, tourism, health, agriculture, finance, and education.
At a joint press conference, Erdogan stated that both nations are aiming to increase bilateral trade from $5 billion to $15 billion in the next five years, reinforcing the commitment to mutual economic growth. This ambitious target reflects a “win-win” mindset, with both leaders expressing optimism about the future of Egypt-Turkey relations.
