Türkiye's Erdogan Welcomes Egypt's President al-Sisi in Ankara

Türkiye and Egypt's Diplomatic Shift

Türkiye's Erdogan warmly welcomed Egypt's President al-Sisi at the airport, a notable gesture traditionally reserved for distinguished visitors. Once labeled a "tyrant" and "coup leader" by Erdogan, al-Sisi's current visit symbolizes a shift towards a new phase of friendship and collaboration.

Key Topics of Discussion

• Arms Deals: The sale of military drones is a focal point of their talks.
• Trade and tourism exchanges are anticipated to improve significantly.
• Regional issues including Gaza, Libya, and Somalia are set to be addressed.

After years of strained relations since the Arab Spring and the military coup that saw Mursi ousted, this meeting signifies an attempt to re-establish diplomatic channels. Erdogan's past support for the Muslim Brotherhood placed Türkiye in opposition to al-Sisi, complicating bilateral relations.

Efforts for Reconciliation

• Both leaders are keen on resolving long-standing tensions in areas like Libya and the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Egypt's recent cooperation with Greece and Cyprus has raised stakes for Turkish interests.

The context of Türkiye's economic challenges necessitated this diplomatic turn, leading to a mutual interest in collaboration. Erdogan sees potential for cooperation, especially in energy resources and military exchanges, while also navigating the geopolitical complexities in the region.