Turkey’s President Erdogan will meet with Egyptian President Sisi in Cairo to discuss Syria’s transitional government and regional stability on December 19, ahead of the D-8 summit. The visit reflects a growing Turkish influence amidst Syria’s recent upheavals and aims to mend diplomatic ties after years of tension. Topics will include addressing security concerns and cooperation in reconstruction efforts in Syria.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey is scheduled to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo, where discussions are expected to center on the evolving situation in Syria. This meeting comes ahead of the D-8 summit, which Erdogan will attend on December 19. Following the upheaval in Syria that saw the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government, Egypt has approached Turkey to seek direct dialogue regarding their mutual concerns about the new Syrian leadership. This visit highlights Erdogan’s expanding influence in the region as Syrian rebels push to establish a transitional government in Damascus.
Erdogan, a longstanding supporter of Syrian opposition forces, has solidified Turkey’s role in Syria following the downfall of the Assad regime, which has raised apprehensions among several Arab nations, including Egypt. Turkish officials confirm that Erdogan’s visit is of strategic importance, especially as Egyptian officials aim to address the implications of HTS’s ascent and its potential governance over Syria. The recent diplomatic activity reflects attempts by both countries to mend relations, previously strained during conflicts in the region.
The geopolitical context is further enriched by Turkey’s historical ties with Syrian rebels stemming from the Arab Spring in 2011 and the shifting allegiances observed in the region. The ongoing discussions slated to occur during Erdogan’s visit will also cover the reconstruction of Syria, a crucial element as Turkey envisions facilitating the return of approximately three million Syrian refugees.
The forthcoming meeting between Erdogan and el-Sisi is set against a backdrop of transformative political events in Syria, particularly the recent changes following the ousting of the Assad regime. The emergence of HTS has created significant uneasiness among neighboring nations, prompting Egypt to seek Erdogan’s diplomatic intervention in Syria’s governance. This meeting marks a pivotal moment for Turkish-Egyptian relations, once characterized by rivalry amid the uprisings throughout the Arab Spring. As they both navigate the aftermath, the leaders are expected to discuss collaborative efforts towards stability and reconstruction in Syria, aiming to enhance regional security and foster cooperative governance.
In summary, President Erdogan’s upcoming visit to Cairo symbolizes a significant realignment of relations between Turkey and Egypt amid the transformative political landscape in Syria. With a focus on addressing the new Syrian governance and the potential for collaborative reconstruction efforts, both leaders are positioned to redefine their countries’ roles in a rapidly changing region. This meeting may serve as a crucial stepping stone toward increased cooperation, fostering stability and mutual interests in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
