Egypt and Turkey Enter New Era of Bilateral Relations Following Historic Meeting

Politics John Brightwater September 4, 2024

Egypt and Turkey Enter New Era of Bilateral Relations Following Historic Meeting

In a historic meeting held in Ankara, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan affirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, marking a significant thaw in what had been a long-standing estrangement. This visit, the first by an Egyptian president to Turkey in over a decade, symbolizes a renewed effort by both nations to strengthen ties across various sectors including trade, defense, health, energy, and environmental collaborations.

During the joint press conference that followed their discussions, President Erdogan called for a deeper and more substantial partnership between Turkey and Egypt. He noted the importance of their shared interests in fostering stability in the region, particularly regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which was a focal point of their talks. The leaders underscored the significance of their cooperation in promoting peace and security, emphasizing their common stance on pertinent regional issues, including the Palestinian conflict.

In total, 17 agreements were signed between the two nations ahead of their public statements, chiefly aimed at enhancing trade relations. President el-Sisi expressed optimism about the potential for economic growth resulting from this renewed engagement, stating, “My visit to Turkey paves the way for a new phase in economic and trade relations.” He further remarked on the noticeable increase in diplomatic communication between the two nations over recent years.

The warming of ties comes after a decade characterized by mutual distrust and geopolitical tensions, initiated in 2013 when el-Sisi, then Egypt’s defense minister, dissolved President Mohamed Morsi’s government. Following this upheaval, Ankara and Cairo had largely severed their diplomatic relations, with both leaders at various times publicly declaring their opposition to one another. However, as geopolitical dynamics evolve, there exists a vital impetus for cooperation, particularly in light of shared security concerns in the region.

This meeting is seen as a significant milestone that could pave the way for further collaboration and dialogue. It reflects a broader shift in regional politics, as countries seek to address common challenges collaboratively. Both Presidents have conveyed their readiness to turn a new page in their bilateral relations, a sentiment welcomed by observers and stakeholders in the international community. The recent engagement between Turkey and Egypt underscores the necessity of maintaining diplomatic relations that promote mutual benefits in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.