Egypt, Turkey upgrade diplomatic relations

CAIRO - 13 February 2024: The relationship between Egypt and Turkey has seen significant milestones in rebuilding trust recently. In the past few months, there have been intense efforts aimed at laying down the foundations to reestablish Egyptian-Turkish relations.

As a result of these efforts, both countries announced on July 4, 2023, the elevation of their diplomatic relations to the ambassadorial level.

This was followed by discussions between President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on September 10, 2023, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

Preliminary Announcements for Resuming Relations

Turkey initiated gestures to resume relations, marked by messages emphasizing the desire to restore ties with Egypt. The first signs appeared in March 2021 when former Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced diplomatic communications with Egypt at the foreign ministry levels.

This was followed by the Turkish Parliament unanimously approving a proposal to establish a parliamentary friendship group with Egypt the following month.

Exploratory Egyptian-Turkish Talks

Both sides held talks to address outstanding issues and outline the main features for rebuilding relations. The first session took place in May 2021, and about four months later, in September 2021, the second session was conducted.

Several exploratory discussions have been held to date, covering a range of important issues, including regional developments and mutual interests, and ways to enhance them.

"Diplomacy of Disasters" Playing a Role

Many circles believe that "diplomacy of disasters" has played a role in boosting Egyptian-Turkish relations in recent months. This refers to a foreign policy approach that transcends differences in the face of crises and humanitarian disasters. This was evident in the phone call between President Sisi and Erdogan following the devastating earthquake on February 9, expressing solidarity with Turkey.

Subsequently, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry visited Mersin, Turkey, in February 2023 to show solidarity and support after the earthquake. This was followed by a reciprocal visit by former Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to Cairo in March 2023.

Key Milestones:

March 2021: Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu announces the existence of diplomatic contacts with Egypt at the Foreign Ministry level.

April 2021: The Turkish Parliament unanimously approves a proposal to establish a Parliamentary Friendship Group with Egypt.

May 2021: The first round of exploratory talks between Egypt and Turkey is held to discuss outstanding issues and the main features of the process of rebuilding relations.

September 2021: The second round of exploratory talks is held.

February 2023: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hold a phone call following the devastating earthquake in Turkey.

February 2023: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry visits the southern Turkish city of Mersin to offer solidarity and support.March 2023: 

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu visits Cairo.

September 2023: President el-Sisi and President Erdoğan hold talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi.