Türkiye and Egypt Reconcile: Egypt’s Perspective

26-02-2024

Naira ElTonsy

Middle East and Human Rights Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defence

On February 14th, Türkiye and Egypt signed a joint declaration of cooperation in areas such as politics, security, trade, and culture, following President Erdoğan’s first visit to Cairo since 2012. [1] President Erdoğan believes that “this visit will be a new turning point in [their] relations”, now referring to President Sisi, who was once his nemesis, as his “esteemed brother.” [2] President Sisi held the same outlook stating that “[they] can open a new page together between [their] countries in a way that enriches [their] bilateral relations and puts them on the right track.” [3]  

Ahmed Ashour, an Egyptian member of the house of representatives, confirmed that President Erdoğan’s visit to Egypt hails the restoration of relations between both countries, and labelled it as a historic first-of-its-kind visit in 11 years. [4] He further highlighted the importance of the visit in exchanging views on current regional and global issues, specifically on the attacks on Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as well as bilateral relations. [5] Ahmed Ashour views the visit as carrying many political and economic messages, the most important being how it will change Ankara’s policy towards Cairo, shedding light on avenues for trading in local currencies and cooperation agreements in several fields. [6]

Egyptian journalist Ahmed Moussa saw this as a major movement in Egyptian-Turkish relations, shedding light on the efforts witnessed in the past years by intelligence chiefs of the two countries to coordinate and consult in restoring relations. [7] He added that Cairo was able to witness President Erdoğan’s visit, which no one would have expected to see in the past ten years, indicating the establishment of a council for joint strategic cooperation between Egypt and Türkiye. [8] He pointed out that President Sisi had never spoken badly about Türkiye or President Erdoğan in the past years, as he is keen on positive relations with countries of the world. [9] Ahmed Moussa concluded by explaining that he never held a personal stance on Türkiye or Qatar, however, the Egyptian media has always worked to support the positions of the state, which has been previously subject to some abuses. [10]    

Adel Al-Lamai, Chairman of the Egyptian-Turkish Business Council, also viewed Erdoğan’s visit as a “historic beginning for the Egyptian-Turkish relations”, and highlighted their goal of increasing trade exchange from $6 billion to $15 billion. [11] He added that he expects 2024 would be ‘the year of investments, economy and trade between Egypt and Türkiye’, specifically an expansion in Turkish investments in Egypt. [12] 

Egyptian writer and journalist Gamal Sultan stated in a Facebook post that Türkiye’s Justice and Development Party’s “zero disputes” strategy was obvious to pass through Egypt, specifically in the midst of accelerating security, military, and war issues erupting in the region. [13] Furthermore, he viewed that “cooperation in the Palestinian issue will have a significant share of the negotiations. Türkiye has strengthened its presence in the Palestinian decision in recent years, and has strong relations with all Palestinian parties, whether Authority or Hamas, in the West Bank or Gaza. However, Türkiye’s geographical distance from Palestine, especially Gaza, makes coordination with Egypt absolutely necessary for any Turkish movement.” [14] Thus, Gamal Sultan still views economic gains as the pivotal reason behind Erdoğan’s visit, in which both parties see a common interest that should not be hindered by any political differences. [15]

In broad terms, the Egyptian media and government perceive Erdoğan’s visit as a crucial milestone in the reconciliation of Turkish and Egyptian relations, potentially fostering cooperation amid regional security challenges and unlocking economic opportunities. 

Sources and further readings:

[1] Middle East Monitor, (2024, February 14), ‘Turkiye, Egypt sign joint declaration on cooperation’ <Turkiye, Egypt sign joint declaration on cooperation – Middle East Monitor> accessed 25 February 2024.

[2], [3] Ezgi Akin, Al-Monitor, (2024, February 14), ‘Turkey’s Erdogan receives red-carpet reception in Egypt, calls Sisi ‘brother’’ <Turkey’s Erdogan receives red-carpet reception in Egypt, calls Sisi 'brother' - Al-Monitor> accessed 25 February 2024.

[4], [5], [6] My Parliament, (2024, February 14), ‘Representative Ahmed Ashour: The visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Egypt confirms the restoration of relations between the two countries’ <النائب أحمد عاشور : زيارة الرئيس التركى رجب طيب أردوغان لمصر تؤكد على استعادة العلاقات بين البلدين | برلمانى> accessed 25 February 2024. 

[7], [8], [9], [10] Egypt Today, (2024, February 14), ‘Ahmed Moussa on Erdogan’s visit to Egypt: “A great guest” and we will work for the benefit of the country’ <أحمد موسى عن زيارة أردوغان لمصر: «ضيف كبير» وبنشتغل لصالح البلد> accessed 25 February 2024. 

[11], [12] Israa Sabry, Sada El-Balad, (2024, February 14), ‘Adel Al-Lamai: 2024 will be the year of investments, economy, and trade between Egypt and Turkey | Video’ <عادل اللمعي: 2024 سيكون عام الاستثمارات والاقتصاد والتجارة بين مصر وتركيا|فيديو> accessed 25 February 2024. 

[13], [14], [15] Turk Press, (2024, February 17), ‘An Egyptian reading into the dimensions of Erdoğan’s visit to Cairo’ <قراءة مصرية في أبعاد زيارة أردوغان للقاهرة | ترك برس> accessed 25 February 2024.