OPINION - Egypt and Türkiye: Charting a new course for collaboration

- Both Ankara and Cairo recognize that cooperation, rather than rivalry, is in their best interests

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi made his first presidential visit to Türkiye on Wednesday in 12 years. [1] The visit, seen as a turning point, comes after years of strained relations and marks the beginning of a new era in diplomatic, economic, and military ties between the two regional powers.

For years, the relationship between Egypt and Türkiye has been complex, particularly after former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi was ousted in a coup. During the Arab Spring, the Turkish authorities provided sanctuary and support to Egyptian opposition members following their political fallout in Egypt.

- The course of normalization between 2 countries

The meeting in Ankara once again symbolizes the new regional thinking in a post-Arab uprising. The time of ideological rivalries seems to stay in the past; now, pragmatism and economic interests appear to be the guiding drivers.

The current normalization between Ankara and Cairo started nearly 3 years ago through discussions between officials. These talks laid the groundwork for the resumption of relations and signaled the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship. The recent visit of Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Cairo in February 2024 marked the culmination of the normalization process. [2]

Several common factors bring them closer together. Primarily, they share significant economic interests, encouraging them to improve ties. During the joint news conference, President Erdogan said [3] Türkiye and Egypt reaffirmed their determination to advance cooperation in every area, including industry, defense, health, environment, and energy. A high-level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting was also held where the two leaders oversaw the signing of 17 agreements [4] across various sectors, including education, infrastructure, aviation, transportation, health, and energy. Türkiye has been pursuing to become a European supply hub [5] by importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Egypt and restarting freight shipping between the Turkish port of Mersin and Alexandria in Egypt. Cairo and Ankara aim to increase [6] the trade volume from $10 billion to $15 billion within the next 5 years.

- Shared concerns and interests

However, the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East has also undergone substantial shifts and changes, which have reshuffled the broader regional dynamics. This shifting geopolitical scene seems to be another critical factor driving Türkiye and Egypt to recalibrate their relationship and find areas of cooperation despite their past differences. Shared concerns and interests are evident in various regional conflicts, including those in Gaza, Libya, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa.

Both Ankara and Cairo recognize that cooperation, rather than rivalry, is in their best interests. For instance, the key to progress in Libya lies in reaching a consensus among the major regional players, especially Türkiye and Egypt. These two regional powers have backed opposing sides in the conflict; Türkiye supports the United Nations (UN)-recognized government in Tripoli, whereas Egypt backs Haftar's so-called Libyan National Army (LNA). Ankara and Cairo significantly influence Libya and could play a key role in promoting regional stability. Despite their differing alliances, both countries understand the importance of revitalizing the political process, which could unlock the path forward, including the possibility of holding elections.

Over the last two years, there are signs of compromise; both sides have reached out to the other warring party, and the level of tension seemed to have decreased until recently. However, recent developments have disrupted this fragile balance. The presidential council's attempt to remove [7] the Central Bank Governor, Saddek El Kaber, who has led the bank since 2011, has exacerbated the situation. El Kaber's refusal to step down has inflamed tensions, turning the central bank into a flashpoint in the ongoing power struggles between Libya's rival political factions.

Similarly, in the Horn of Africa, Egypt and Türkiye share concerns [8] over Ethiopia's port deal [9] with Somaliland, and there is potential for them to work together to bring stability and peace in the region.

The improving relationship between Türkiye and Egypt has led to a re-evaluation of their differences, with a focus on mutual benefits in exploring the rich gas fields of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Ankara has been encouraging Cairo to change [10] its stance in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Cairo has been part of the anti-Türkiye camp. This visit could also be an opportunity for the two leaders to find common ground on this issue. Türkiye and Egypt can tap into the region's vast natural resources and strengthen their diplomatic ties by setting aside past disagreements.

Keeping the above-mentioned economic interests, regional concerns, and geopolitical goals in mind, it seems like repairing the relationship between Türkiye and Egypt is a practical move for both nations as they adapt to the changing landscape in the region. If they can work through their disagreements and find common ground, it could positively impact the region, and both countries can benefit from this outcome. However, the path ahead is not without challenges; therefore, both countries must be willing to compromise and put aside past grievances.

[1] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkiye/turkish-egyptian-presidents-meet-in-ankara-/3321066

[2] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkish-president-arrives-in-egypt-for-official-visit/3137407

[3] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/turkiye-egypt-reinforce-cooperation-in-various-sectors-eyeing-15b-trade-goal/3321437

[4] https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/gundem/turkiye-ile-misir-arasinda-17-anlasma-imzalandi/3321283

[5] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-04/egypt-s-el-sisi-visits-turkey-in-move-to-repair-erdogan-discord?sref=QSlL66ra

[6] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/turkiye-egypt-reinforce-cooperation-in-various-sectors-eyeing-15b-trade-goal/3321437

[7] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/30/libyas-central-bank-chief-flees-country-over-militia-threats-report

[8] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67911057

[9] https://www.economist.com/films/2024/01/05/why-ethiopias-port-deal-with-somaliland-fuels-tensions?utm_medium=cpc.adword.pd&utm_source=google&ppccampaignID=18151738051&ppcadID=&utm_campaign=a.22brand_pmax&utm_content=conversion.direct-response.anonymous&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwreW2BhBhEiwAavLwfJcjeM10X-fIiztwh4lDF2-zPhFJZLnB3eiSAw8032DY442rgA8OGhoComgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[10] https://researchcentre.trtworld.com/policy-outlooks/from-tension-to-reconciliation-mapping-the-future-of-egypt-turkiye-relations/

*The author is a researcher at the TRT World Research Centre. Holding an MA in Middle East Studies from the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter, he specializes in North African geopolitics and security, with a particular focus on Libya.