Egypt’s el-Sisi to visit Türkiye as Ankara-Cairo normalization process continues

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will visit Türkiye on September 4, marking a significant step in the ongoing normalization process between Ankara and Cairo.

In April, during a visit to Türkiye as part of this normalization effort, then-Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stated in a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan that President Sisi would soon visit Türkiye.

Earlier this month, Minister Fidan visited Egypt and met with the newly appointed Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdulat. During a press conference following their meeting, Abdulat confirmed that President Sisi’s upcoming visit to Türkiye was discussed.

It was announced that Fidan and Abdulat were preparing for the first High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting, which will take place during Sisi’s visit.

The discussions are expected to focus on several key issues, including the ceasefire in Gaza, efforts to halt Israeli attacks, and evaluating joint actions against the Netanyahu government. Broader regional topics such as the situations in Palestine, Libya, Sudan, and Somalia will also be on the agenda.

Additionally, the leaders will explore potential cooperation in energy, specifically in LNG, renewable energy, and mining sectors, as well as partnerships in healthcare, tourism, and defense industries. Education and cultural cooperation, including strengthening ties between universities and media organizations, will also be highlighted.

Currently, trade between Türkiye and Egypt is valued at $10 billion, with both countries aiming to increase this figure to $15 billion. Business representatives will also participate in the talks to explore further collaboration opportunities.

The tension between Türkiye and Egypt began on July 3, 2013, when Sisi, then the Egyptian Minister of Defense, ousted President Mohamed Morsi in a coup.

Türkiye was among the most vocal opponents of the coup, with then-Prime Minister Erdogan accusing Sisi of being a “murderer.”

The “Rabia” gesture, commonly seen at AKP rallies, emerged during this period as a symbol of solidarity with Morsi.

However, after 12 years, Erdogan visited Egypt and held a joint press conference with President Sisi, stating: “We have elevated our High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council to the presidential level. I invited my dear brother to Ankara at the earliest opportunity to hold our council meeting.”