Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Ankara, marking a significant step towards enhanced bilateral relations between Türkiye and Egypt. This meeting comes after a decade of strained ties, with both leaders expressing optimism for a new era of cooperation.
During the meeting, key topics included advancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors and addressing pressing regional issues, particularly the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The discussions are expected to lead to the signing of agreements aimed at solidifying this renewed partnership.
Erdogan's visit to Cairo earlier this year and Sisi's current visit to Ankara signify a mutual commitment to improving ties, with both leaders aiming to increase economic cooperation significantly. Turkey is currently Egypt's fifth-largest trading partner, highlighting the potential for growth in their economic relationship.
The historical context of the relations between the two nations, which have been marred by political tensions since 2013, is crucial to understanding this shift. As both countries navigate their roles in regional politics, their collaboration could play a pivotal role in addressing broader Middle Eastern issues.