Egypt’s El Sisi and Turkish Foreign Minister meet amid critical regional crossroads

Egyptian President El Sisi and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s meeting in New Alamein underscores their urgent call for de-escalation in the Middle East amid rising tensions between Israel and the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance.”

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi emphasized the urgency of de-escalation in the Middle East during a pivotal meeting with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

El Sisi’s concerns are rooted in the escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance,” which threaten to engulf the region in broader hostilities. The National reported that he reiterated Egypt’s consistent warnings about the dangers of widening the war, which could jeopardize regional and international peace, stability, and security.

The meeting with Fidan took place in New Alamein, Egypt’s summer governmental hub, signalling a thaw in relations between Cairo and Ankara after a decade of strained diplomacy. The Turkish diplomat’s visit, made at the invitation of Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, underscores the shared stance of both nations on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and efforts to end the conflict through diplomatic means.

Fidan’s agenda included high-level discussions to pave the way for a summit between Turkish and Egyptian leaders in the coming months. Additionally, Fidan met with Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit to further Turkey’s outreach to the Arab world, said The National.

During his visit, Fidan toured strategic facilities along the Egypt-Gaza border, including the Al Arish port and the Rafah border crossing. These visits highlighted the mutual commitment of Egypt and Turkey to de-escalate regional tensions and work towards a sustainable peace in Gaza.

Addressing the media from the Rafah border crossing, Fidan condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as “a crime against humanity.” He criticized Israel for closing border gates, targeting aid convoys, killing humanitarian workers, and obstructing the evacuation of patients and civilians.

Fidan emphasized that Turkey and Egypt are united in their call for an end to the war in Gaza and the establishment of peace through a two-state solution. El Sisi echoed this sentiment, advocating for the reinstatement of the 1967 borders as a framework for peace.

This meeting between El Sisi and Fidan represents a significant step in normalizing relations between Egypt and Turkey. Analysts view it as setting the stage for enhanced cooperation on critical political, economic, and security issues vital to the Middle East’s stability.

The discussions also included preparations for an imminent visit by El Sisi to Turkey, marking his first official trip to the country. This visit, announced in February following a meeting between El Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Cairo, is seen as a milestone in mending the historically strained ties between the two nations.