Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Meets Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara to Sign 20 Agreements, Boost Trade, and Address Regional Conflicts
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
4 minutes read. Updated 8:12AM GMT Wed, 4 September, 2024
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi embarked on a historic official visit to Turkey on Wednesday, marking the first such visit by an Egyptian leader in over a decade. This visit is part of a significant diplomatic thaw between Cairo and Ankara, two regional powers that have been at odds for years. President el-Sisi is set to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and signing agreements across multiple sectors.
The diplomatic journey towards reconciliation between Egypt and Turkey began in February when President Erdogan made his first visit to Egypt in more than ten years. This followed a mutual agreement to mend relations and reappoint ambassadors, a major step forward after ties were severed in 2013. The rupture occurred after el-Sisi, then Egypt’s army chief, led the ouster of the democratically elected Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, a key figure in the Muslim Brotherhood, which has historically received support from Turkey.
During this second summit between the two leaders, around 20 agreements are expected to be signed, focusing on boosting cooperation in various areas such as energy, defense, tourism, health, culture, and education. The meetings will also cover pressing global and regional issues, including Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories. Turkey has commended Egypt’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza and has actively supported Cairo’s role in truce negotiations, sending thousands of tonnes of aid to Palestinians.
President el-Sisi is accompanied by a large delegation of officials and businessmen, reflecting the high stakes and potential economic opportunities tied to this visit. President Erdogan has emphasized the desire to increase bilateral trade between the two nations, aiming to raise the current $10 billion to $15 billion. This economic ambition underlines the renewed partnership and the potential for deeper cooperation that could reshape the dynamics of the region.
As the leaders of Egypt and Turkey work to strengthen their bilateral ties, the international community watches closely, recognizing the broader implications of this renewed partnership for Middle Eastern diplomacy and economic collaboration.
Meta Description: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s visit to Turkey marks a historic step in renewed relations with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, focusing on bilateral agreements and regional diplomacy. Discover more about their meetings and the potential for future cooperation.
