In a pivotal diplomatic development, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is scheduled to engage in discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, marking the first presidential visit between the two nations in 12 years. This visit reflects a significant thawing of relations that have remained strained for over a decade, particularly following the 2013 ousting of Egypt’s first democratically elected president, Mohamed Mursi, who was an ally of Turkey.

The renewed dialogue initiates a process to reconsider Turkey-Egypt relations comprehensively, focusing on potential collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. According to a statement from the Turkish presidency’s communications office, the agenda will encompass a review of bilateral relations as well as an exchange of perspectives on pressing regional and global issues, notably the ongoing Israeli assaults on Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

President Sisi is expected to arrive in Ankara at 2 p.m. (1100 GMT), with a joint press conference planned for 5 p.m. (1400 GMT). The reconciliation efforts between Ankara and Cairo began gaining momentum in 2020 when Turkey sought to mend relations with its regional adversaries, including Egypt., The mutual appointment of ambassadors last year further underscored this diplomatic revival. Additionally, Turkey has expressed intentions to supply Egypt with armed drones and has proposed increasing bilateral trade to $15 billion in the near term, up from the current $10 billion.

Significantly, it is anticipated that around 20 agreements will be signed during this meeting, fostering cooperation across commercial trade, energy, defense, tourism, health, culture, and education sectors, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy and liquefied natural gas (LNG) collaboration.

Furthermore, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Turkey has condemned Israel’s military actions and has provided substantial aid to Egypt, reinforcing its support for humanitarian efforts and Cairo’s role in facilitating ceasefire negotiations.

This high-level meeting symbolizes an important milestone in re-establishing ties between Egypt and Turkey, reflecting a broader trend of diplomatic engagement among regional powers that have historically had strained relations.

Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ece Toksabay; Editing by Daren Butler and Michael Perry.

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