Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced a significant improvement in their relations during a meeting in Cairo on Wednesday, marking a shift after more than a decade of estrangement.
Both leaders criticized Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip and called for a ceasefire. Sisi welcomed Erdogan with enthusiasm at Cairo airport, where they signed several agreements.
They expressed the intention to enhance trade to “$15 billion per year within a few years” and collaborate diplomatically in the Middle East.
Erdogan, known for his criticism of Israel, denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and prioritizing Palestinian issues.
Turkey expressed readiness to cooperate with Egypt in the medium term for the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza. Sisi criticized Israel’s delays in allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza through the Rafah crossing, which Egypt controls.
The two nations had severed ties in 2013, but relations started to thaw in 2021, leading to the appointment of ambassadors in July 2022.
Despite differences, trade between Turkey and Egypt continued, with Turkey being Egypt’s fifth-largest trade partner. The recent meeting builds on previous encounters in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the G20 summit.
While addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Erdogan warned against Israel’s plans for an assault on Rafah, cautioning that it could lead to genocide. He invited Sisi to visit Ankara at the earliest opportunity.
The meeting reflects a notable shift in the geopolitical landscape, with Turkey and Egypt finding common ground on various regional issues.
