In a significant diplomatic move, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has embarked on his first official visit to Turkey in over a decade. This visit marks a pivotal moment in the efforts to mend the strained relations between Egypt and Turkey, which have been fraught with discord since the ousting of Mohamed Morsi in 2013. The meeting between el-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to pave the way for renewed cooperation and strengthened ties between the two regional powers.
A Decade of Tensions
The relationship between Egypt and Turkey has been tumultuous since 2013, when el-Sisi, then Egypt’s army chief, led a coup that ousted the democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi, an ally of Erdogan. This event led to a significant diplomatic fallout, with both countries withdrawing their ambassadors and engaging in a war of words. The discord was further exacerbated by their opposing stances on various regional issues, including the conflicts in Libya and Syria.
Despite these tensions, there have been recent signs of rapprochement. In 2020, Turkey launched a diplomatic charm offensive aimed at easing tensions with its regional rivals, including Egypt. This effort culminated in Erdogan’s visit to Cairo earlier this year, which set the stage for el-Sisi’s reciprocal visit to Ankara. The two leaders are now poised to discuss a range of issues, from economic cooperation to regional security.
The visit is seen as a crucial step in normalizing relations and fostering a more collaborative approach to addressing shared challenges. Both countries have expressed a willingness to move past their differences and work towards a more stable and prosperous region.
Economic and Strategic Interests
One of the primary focuses of el-Sisi’s visit is to bolster economic ties between Egypt and Turkey. The two countries have a history of trade relations, and there is significant potential for growth in this area. During the visit, el-Sisi and Erdogan are expected to sign several agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and investment. These agreements will cover various sectors, including energy, defense, tourism, and health.
Turkey is particularly interested in increasing its imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Egypt, as well as exploring opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy. Additionally, there are plans to restart the ro-ro maritime transport line between Mersin and Alexandria, which would facilitate the movement of goods and boost trade.
The defense sector is another area of potential collaboration. Turkey has expressed interest in selling drones and other military equipment to Egypt, and there have been discussions about modernizing Egypt’s armored vehicles. These initiatives reflect the strategic importance of the relationship and the mutual benefits of closer cooperation.
Regional Implications
The rapprochement between Egypt and Turkey has broader implications for the Middle East. Both countries play pivotal roles in regional politics, and their improved relations could contribute to greater stability and cooperation. The visit is expected to include discussions on key regional issues, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the situation in Libya, and efforts to combat terrorism.
By working together, Egypt and Turkey can exert greater influence on regional developments and promote peace and security. Their collaboration could also serve as a model for other countries in the region, demonstrating the benefits of dialogue and cooperation over conflict and division.
The visit is a testament to the power of diplomacy and the potential for reconciliation, even after years of discord. It underscores the importance of building bridges and finding common ground in the pursuit of shared goals.
