Egypt’s Sisi Makes First Presidential Visit to Turkey in 12 Years: A New Era of Cooperation
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi made a historic visit to Turkey, marking his first presidential trip in 12 years, as part of ongoing efforts to mend relations with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. This significant visit symbolizes a new chapter in Egyptian-Turkish relations, which had been frozen for over a decade following the 2013 ousting of Egypt’s first democratically elected president, Mohamed Mursi, an ally of Turkey. During their meeting in Ankara, Sisi and Erdogan discussed key regional issues, including the ongoing Gaza war, and explored ways to strengthen their bilateral ties.
A Decade of Strained Relations
The ties between Egypt and Turkey collapsed after Sisi, who was then Egypt’s army chief, led the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohamed Mursi in 2013. Mursi had been a close ally of Erdogan and Turkey, and his removal caused a significant diplomatic fallout between the two nations. For years, relations remained icy as both countries backed opposing sides in regional conflicts, such as Libya.
However, in recent years, both nations have made strides towards reconciliation. In 2020, Turkey embarked on a diplomatic campaign to rebuild relationships with its regional rivals, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This diplomatic drive marked the beginning of a thaw in relations, with the two countries reappointing ambassadors in 2022, symbolizing a renewed willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.
Key Discussions During the Visit
The recent meeting between Erdogan and Sisi, which took place in Ankara, included discussions on a range of crucial regional and international issues. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, particularly in Gaza. The two countries shared a “common stance” on the Palestinian cause, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the violence in the West Bank.
Turkey has been vocal in its criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and has sent significant humanitarian aid through Egypt for the Palestinian people. Egypt, for its part, has been playing a vital role in facilitating ceasefire negotiations and handling the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a role Erdogan praised during their talks.
The leaders also touched on the conflict in Libya, a long-standing point of contention between the two nations. Egypt and Turkey have historically supported rival factions in the ongoing Libyan civil war. However, Sisi emphasized the importance of turning the page on the conflict through elections and the withdrawal of foreign forces. Both leaders agreed on the need for a peaceful resolution in Libya, a sign of their shifting positions and a commitment to cooperation.
A Path Towards Economic Growth and Cooperation
In addition to their discussions on regional conflicts, Erdogan and Sisi highlighted the importance of deepening economic ties between their nations. They expressed a shared interest in expanding trade and fostering cooperation in key sectors such as energy, defense, tourism, health, agriculture, and finance. Ministers from both countries signed 18 memoranda of understanding (MoUs), signifying their intention to collaborate on a wide range of areas, including natural gas and nuclear energy.
Erdogan stressed the significance of adopting a “win-win” approach to their multi-dimensional ties, aiming to increase bilateral trade from $5 billion to $15 billion over the next five years. This ambitious goal reflects the growing economic potential of their partnership, which could have far-reaching implications for both countries and the broader region.
As Turkey and Egypt seek to move beyond their past differences and forge a new path towards cooperation, this visit represents a pivotal moment in their diplomatic relations. By focusing on shared interests and regional stability, both countries are laying the groundwork for a future of collaboration and economic prosperity.
