In a significant diplomatic development, the Presidents of Egypt and Turkey, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, are actively working towards reconciling their nations’ long-standing relations, which have been marked by discord since 2013. Following a series of high-level visits, including el-Sisi’s recent trip to Turkey—the first since his 2014 inauguration—both leaders convened the inaugural meeting of the Egyptian-Turkish Strategic Cooperation Council. This meeting resulted in a 36-point declaration focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in various domains, with a particular emphasis on tripling bilateral trade to $15 billion.

During a joint press conference, President Erdogan and President el-Sisi underscored their commitment to enrich cooperative ties on critical regional issues, including ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Libya, and Sudan, as well as stability in Somalia. The two nations signed eighteen memorandums of understanding across diverse fields such as energy, agriculture, education, tourism, and transport. Notably, the potential for military cooperation was acknowledged, although specific agreements regarding Turkish drone sales to Egypt were not confirmed.

The historical context illustrates a sharp contrast to current events; relations between Egypt and Turkey began to deteriorate following the ousting of former President Mohamed Morsi by el-Sisi in 2013, which evoked strong condemnation from Ankara. Over the years, mutual animosity deepened, exacerbated by Turkey’s support for the Muslim Brotherhood, deemed a terrorist organization by Cairo. However, recent geopolitical shifts and domestic pressures have catalyzed a reevaluation of foreign policies on both sides.

Analysts suggest that both nations recognize their diminishing influence in Gaza, prompting them to seek a united front. Furthermore, Turkey’s shift away from assertive military interventions towards a more diplomatic approach has paved the way for improved relations. For instance, measures to moderate the rhetoric of media critical of el-Sisi within Turkey have indicated a desire for rapprochement, as has the restoration of diplomatic representation through the reappointment of ambassadors.

In summary, the evolving dynamics between Egypt and Turkey signify a pivotal transition from animosity to cooperation, reflecting both leaders’ aspirations for a harmonious and strategically beneficial partnership. As they embark on this renewed chapter in their bilateral relations, the focus remains on fostering stability and shared prosperity in the region.

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