Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to meet Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on December 19 for talks focused primarily on the evolving situation in Syria following the Assad regime’s fall. The meeting underscores a shift in regional alliances and the necessity of coordination among key players in addressing Syria’s governance and reconstruction needs. Both nations are looking to enhance bilateral relations and explore broader regional stability amidst ongoing complexities.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey is scheduled to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo, with a significant focus on the situation in Syria. The meeting will occur during the D-8 summit on 19 December, which Egypt hosted at Erdogan’s invitation, intended to foster direct discussions about Syria’s evolving political landscape following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government, as reported by officials from both nations.
Erdogan’s influence in the region has grown substantially due to the recent developments in Syria, where Turkish-backed rebels have gained a foothold after the ousting of the Assad regime. Erdogan, a longtime supporter of Syrian opposition forces, is notably working to navigate the complexities of Syrian governance in the aftermath of a turbulent period. Notably, Turkey’s National Intelligence Organisation chief was seen in Damascus, further illustrating Turkey’s involvement in the transitional government dynamics.
Egypt’s concerns regarding the new Syrian governance structure are mirrored by regional players wary of the potential rise of groups previously affiliated with al-Qaeda, such as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. Despite concerns, HTS representatives recently assured key Arab nations, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, of their commitment to establishing an inclusive government. The evolving political scene has prompted collaborative efforts, such as Jordan’s upcoming summit involving various stakeholders focusing on this critical issue.
Additionally, Egypt aims to facilitate talks between Turkey and Iran during the Cairo summit, reflecting a shift in regional alliances and diplomatic efforts. Sisi’s administration, which once stood against Erdogan, now seeks cooperation amid the unfolding geopolitical complexities in Syria. The meeting carries implications not only for Syrian refugees but also for potential reconstruction efforts, estimated at approximately $400 billion by the United Nations, as Turkey and Egypt both eye significant roles in future developments.
The evolving situation in Syria has become a focal point of regional diplomacy, particularly after the fall of the Assad government, which has altered traditional dynamics in the Middle East. Historically, Turkey has supported Syrian opposition forces since the start of the Arab Spring, while Egypt’s leadership has reflected fluctuating alliances amid these transformations. Erdogan’s strengthening ties with Egypt and other Arab states underscore a potential realignment in response to shared regional challenges, particularly regarding the governance and stability of Syria post-Assad. Additionally, the implications of these diplomatic engagements extend to broader concerns about security and refugee repatriation in the region. Syria’s political landscape post-Assad is characterized by the presence of HTS and other factions, prompting both the US and European Union to reassess their stances on these groups. The collective desire among Arab nations to maintain stability and counteract extremist influences reflects the collaborative spirit that is currently being fostered amidst the ongoing negotiations pertaining to Syria’s future governance.
In summary, President Erdogan’s forthcoming visit to Cairo is poised to initiate critical discussions between Turkey and Egypt regarding the future political landscape of Syria following the recent upheaval. The meeting signifies a potential thaw in relations between the two countries, previously marked by tension, and acknowledges the urgent need for coordinated responses to the challenges stemming from the Syrian crisis. As regional diplomacy advances, both Erdogan and Sisi may not only focus on immediate political solutions but also pave the way for long-term reconstruction efforts in Syria, highlighting the intricate interdependencies in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
