By Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in reconciling their long-strained relationship. This meeting follows a period of thawing ties between the two nations, which was initiated during Erdogan’s visit to Cairo in February. At that time, the leaders agreed to turn over a “new leaf,” pledging increased cooperation and enhanced trade relations in the Middle East.
The diplomatic rapprochement comes after a decade of strained relations that began in 2013 when Sisi, then Egypt’s defense minister, led the ousting of President Mohamed Morsi. Morsi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, was a key ally of Turkey. Erdogan, who had been a vocal supporter of Morsi, initially vowed never to engage with Sisi. Sisi’s subsequent rise to the presidency in 2014 further entrenched the rift between the two leaders.
Despite the prolonged diplomatic chill, economic ties between Turkey and Egypt remained robust. Turkey is Egypt’s fifth-largest trading partner, and Egypt holds the position of Turkey’s largest trading partner in Africa. This ongoing trade relationship has persisted even amid political tensions, highlighting the underlying economic interdependence between the two countries.
The forthcoming meeting in Ankara symbolizes a new chapter in Turkish-Egyptian relations, reflecting their shared interests and a commitment to improved bilateral cooperation. The leaders are expected to discuss various regional issues, including the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, where their interests have recently aligned.
