Egypt’s President Sisi Visits Turkey, Signifying a New Era in Bilateral Relations
On Wednesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi made his inaugural official visit to Turkey, marking the end of a 12-year diplomatic rift with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This visit follows Erdogan’s trip to Cairo in February, symbolizing the thawing of relations that began deteriorating after Sisi’s military coup against democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi, a supporter of Erdogan, in 2013. The Turkish presidency stated that the discussions during Sisi’s visit would encompass all dimensions of Turkey-Egypt relations and prospective collaborative steps to enhance cooperation. The agenda is expected to address pressing regional and global issues, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian crisis.
Discussions are likely to lead to agreements in sectors such as finance, energy, environment, urban planning, and healthcare. Furthermore, there are indications that Ankara seeks to expand military ties with Cairo, including potential sales of drones and other military assets. Prior negotiations have already occurred regarding the acquisition of Turkish defense technology, indicating a significant shift in the bilateral military cooperation landscape.
Experts have noted that the proposed Strategic Cooperation Council will formalize the normalisation process between Turkey and Egypt, enhancing diplomatic communication and collaboration at the highest levels. It is envisaged that this Council, akin to similar arrangements Turkey has established with the United Arab Emirates, will convene annually.
Despite these positive advancements, the potential for drone sales raises concerns regarding Turkey’s relations with Ethiopia, which has been embroiled in a protracted dispute with Egypt over the Nile River’s resources, particularly concerning the controversial Renaissance Dam project. Additionally, Egypt’s commitment to military assistance in Somalia reflects its strategy to counter Ethiopian influence in the region.
The economic relationship between Turkey and Egypt has also witnessed notable progress since their efforts towards normalization began in 2021, with an increase in Turkish investments and the presence of numerous Turkish companies operating within the Egyptian market. Bilateral trade is anticipated to rise significantly, especially considering Egypt’s strategic position as a gateway to African markets, bolstered by various trade agreements.
Turkey, aiming to enhance its presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, seeks a maritime boundary agreement with Egypt. However, Egypt remains cautious of jeopardizing its alliances with Greece and other regional stakeholders by conceding to Turkey’s maritime claims. Meanwhile, the geopolitical complexities surrounding Libya continue to pose challenges to bilateral relations, as both countries have historically supported opposing factions in the ongoing Libyan civil conflict.
In conclusion, President Sisi’s visit to Turkey symbolizes a pivotal moment in the renewal of bilateral relations, with both leaders signaling a commitment to overcome past grievances. The outcome of this visit will likely shape the future trajectory of cooperation between the two nations across various domains, including military, economic, and regional stability in a complex geopolitical landscape.
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