CAIRO: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday arrived in Egypt for his first official visit since 2012, signaling a major step towards rebuilding relations between the two regional powers. Erdogan’s visit comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the Israeli aggression in Gaza, with discussions expected to focus on efforts to halt the violence and facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The meeting between Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi marks a crucial moment in efforts to thaw the reserved relations that deteriorated following Egypt’s 2013 military coup, which ousted then-President Mohamed Mursi. The subsequent fallout strained ties between Ankara and Cairo for years.
Turkish President Aims to Strengthen Cooperation with Egypt
However, recent diplomatic endeavors have paved the way for a potential reconciliation, with both nations appointing ambassadors to each other’s capitals last year. Additionally, Turkey’s announcement earlier this month regarding the provision of armed drones to Egypt further indicates a desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The press conference scheduled for later today is expected to provide further insights into the discussions held between Erdogan and Sisi. A statement from the office of President el-Sisi highlights the agenda for the meeting, emphasizing the importance of fostering closer bilateral relations and addressing regional challenges, particularly the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the facilitation of humanitarian aid to the besieged population.
Official welcoming ceremony for President Erdoğan in Egypthttps://t.co/XOQ3ie1Va5
— Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye (@trpresidency) February 14, 2024
