Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrived in Ankara on Wednesday for his first visit to Turkey in 12 years, signaling a significant thaw in relations between the two regional powers. This visit marks a key moment in the ongoing reconciliation between Egypt and Turkey, whose relations have been strained for nearly a decade.
President Sisi’s visit follows Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s trip to Cairo in February, which was his first since 2012. These visits represent major steps in rebuilding diplomatic ties, which collapsed after Sisi, then Egypt’s army chief, led the ouster of President Mohamed Mursi in 2013. Mursi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood and an ally of Turkey, was Egypt’s first democratically elected president.
During Sisi’s visit, both leaders are expected to discuss comprehensive bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation. The Turkish presidency stated that the talks would focus on reviewing all aspects of Turkey-Egypt relations, as well as potential joint initiatives for the future. High on the agenda are regional developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian situation.
Upon Sisi’s arrival, Erdogan welcomed him at Ankara airport, and both leaders proceeded to the presidential palace for an official welcome ceremony. They are also set to co-chair the inaugural meeting of the Turkey-Egypt High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
A joint press conference is scheduled for 5 p.m. (1400 GMT), where further details of the discussions are expected to be revealed.
In a statement, Sisi emphasized the importance of his visit, along with Erdogan’s earlier trip to Cairo, as reflecting a mutual desire to open a new chapter of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
The rapprochement between Egypt and Turkey began in 2020 when Ankara initiated a diplomatic outreach to mend ties with several regional rivals, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. In 2023, both Turkey and Egypt reinstated their ambassadors, further solidifying their renewed relations.
Turkey has expressed its intention to provide Egypt with armed drones and aims to boost bilateral trade from $5 billion to $15 billion in the short term. During Sisi’s visit, the two countries are expected to sign approximately 20 agreements, covering areas such as energy, defense, tourism, health, culture, and education. Special emphasis is likely to be placed on collaboration in renewable energy and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Turkey has been vocal in its condemnation of Israel’s military actions against Hamas in Gaza and has lauded Egypt’s humanitarian efforts and role as a mediator in Gaza truce negotiations. Turkey has also sent substantial aid to Egypt for distribution to Palestinians in Gaza.