Turkey and Egypt Unite on Gaza, Mending Ties in Landmark Meeting

In a significant diplomatic development, the presidents of Turkey and Egypt convened in Ankara, finding common ground on the Gaza conflict and taking steps to repair long-strained relations. This meeting, marking Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi's first official visit to Turkey since his election in 2014, highlighted the shared priorities of both nations regarding the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey emphasized the alignment between the two countries on the Palestinian issue, stating, "Turkey and Egypt have a common stance on the Palestinian issue." Both leaders stressed the urgent need for a permanent cease-fire and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been under intense conflict for nearly a year.

The meeting comes as part of a broader effort to mend ties between these two influential Middle Eastern nations. Relations had soured a decade ago following the Egyptian military's ousting of President Mohammed Morsi, who was affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization that Turkey had long supported. However, recent years have seen a thawing of tensions, with Turkey ceasing its criticism of el-Sissi's government and both nations seeking to improve regional relationships.

This diplomatic rapprochement is particularly significant given the historical and geopolitical importance of both countries. Turkey and Egypt are among the most populous nations in the Middle East, with a combined coastline exceeding 10,000 km. Both have played crucial roles in regional conflicts and peacekeeping efforts, and their improved relations could have far-reaching implications for Middle Eastern stability.

The leaders also discussed potential economic cooperation, with Erdogan expressing a desire to boost bilateral trade to $15 billion in the coming years. This economic aspect is particularly noteworthy, as Turkey's economy ranks 20th globally by nominal GDP, while Egypt controls the strategically vital Suez Canal, a key artery for international trade.

El-Sissi emphasized the importance of joint efforts in addressing regional issues, particularly concerning Gaza and Palestine. He stated, "We should work together to prevent humanitarian crises, especially by addressing regional issues together."

Erdogan, known for his vocal criticism of Israel's military actions, accused the Israeli government of condemning Gaza's population to hunger and thirst. He asserted, "Israel and its supporters are responsible for every innocent person who dies from hunger, thirst or lack of medicine."

The Turkish president also expressed interest in cooperating with Egypt on natural gas and nuclear energy, highlighting the potential for expanded partnerships in crucial sectors.

This meeting represents a significant step in normalizing relations between two nations that have experienced complex diplomatic ties in recent years. Both Turkey and Egypt have undergone military coups in their recent history and maintain intricate relationships with the European Union. Their renewed cooperation could potentially influence dynamics within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, where both nations hold considerable sway.

As the Gaza conflict continues to dominate regional concerns, the alignment of Turkish and Egyptian positions on this issue may prove influential in ongoing peace efforts. Egypt, along with Qatar and the United States, has been actively involved in attempts to broker a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The war, which began with Hamas' assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. As of September 2024, the conflict has been ongoing for nearly a year, underscoring the urgency of diplomatic efforts to bring about a resolution.

This meeting between Erdogan and el-Sissi not only marks a new chapter in Turkey-Egypt relations but also potentially reshapes the diplomatic landscape of the Middle East, with implications for regional stability and cooperation in the face of ongoing crises.

"Turkey and Egypt have a common stance on the Palestinian issue. The end of the genocide that has been going on for 11 months, the establishment of a permanent cease-fire as soon as possible, and the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid continue to be our priorities."