In a notable shift in Egyptian-Turkish relations, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi confirmed that his recent visit to Turkey paves the way for a new phase in relations between the two countries, especially in the areas of economy and trade.
This statement, made during a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has raised questions about the reasons for this rapprochement at this particular time and its potential implications on the regional and international stage.
Why Now?
Relations between Egypt and Turkey have seen significant tensions since the ousting of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt in 2013. This visit marks an important step towards normalizing relations after years of estrangement and mutual accusations. So, what prompted both countries to seek rapprochement now?
Several factors may explain this shift, including geopolitical changes in the region, where both countries face common challenges such as the energy crisis, tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the refugee crisis. Additionally, it appears that both nations are aiming to expand their economic influence, especially amid the global economic slowdown, making bilateral cooperation more necessary than ever.
Economic and Trade Impacts
El-Sisi mentioned that the visit will open the door to a new phase of economic and trade cooperation. But which sectors are targeted? And how could this cooperation benefit the economies of both countries?
Egypt and Turkey have significant economic capabilities, and cooperation is expected to include areas such as infrastructure investment, energy, industry, and tourism. This cooperation could boost economic growth and create new jobs, but it might also require political adjustments and regulatory measures to avoid potential obstacles.
Regional Dimension: Syria and Palestine at the Forefront
One of the key topics discussed between El-Sisi and Erdoğan was the situation in Syria and Palestine. El-Sisi welcomed Turkey’s efforts to approach Syria with the aim of achieving a political solution to the Syrian crisis and emphasized the countries’ shared stance on the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to Israeli aggression in the West Bank.
But can this rapprochement genuinely contribute to tangible progress in these complex regional issues? And does this partnership signal the beginning of a new alliance that could shift regional balances?
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite these positive steps, challenges remain that could hinder this rapprochement. Past political differences and varying stances on other regional issues may impede the realization of full and sustainable cooperation. However, this rapprochement could also present an opportunity to achieve common interests and address regional and international challenges more effectively.
Questions linger about the sustainability of this rapprochement and whether it can overcome past differences to establish a new era of strategic cooperation between Egypt and Turkey.
