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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi signed multiple bilateral agreements Tuesday following high-level talks in Cairo that focused on deepening cooperation to address mounting crises across the Middle East.
The leaders met at Al-Ittihadiya Palace for private discussions and delegation-level meetings before presiding over the signing of agreements covering military cooperation, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and social services. The meeting marked the second session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council between the two nations.
Among the most significant agreements was a military framework deal between the two governments, alongside memoranda covering pharmaceutical regulation, plant quarantine, veterinary services, trade, social protection, and youth and sports cooperation.
Sisi emphasized the economic dimension of the warming relationship, noting that Egypt is considered Türkiye's primary partner on the African continent. The two countries are working to increase bilateral trade from its current $9 billion to $15 billion, he said during a joint press conference following the talks.
Erdogan said Turkish companies' investments in Egypt have approached $4 billion, expressing satisfaction with the development. He added that the relationship extends to tourism, with Egyptians showing strong interest in Turkish culture and language.
Both leaders underscored the urgency of coordinating on regional security matters, with Sisi warning that the region is rapidly becoming vulnerable to crises and turmoil. He stressed the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation to reach sustainable political solutions in the region.
The Gaza situation dominated discussions, with both presidents addressing the humanitarian crisis following a ceasefire brokered through the efforts of Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Sisi stated that the immediate priority is delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza while maintaining calm. He called for adherence to international and United Nations resolutions supporting a two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state, adding that all unilateral actions against Palestinians must end and holy sites, particularly in Jerusalem, must be protected.
Erdogan said Türkiye and Egypt would continue working together on initiatives to enable peace in Gaza and pledged to contribute to the territory's reconstruction.
The leaders discussed developments in Syria, with Sisi expressing Egypt's support for Syrian unity and sovereignty. He referenced a recent agreement signed between the government and SDF, expressing hope that such agreements and efforts would protect the rights of all parties. Erdogan described Türkiye as a supporter of the major transformation in Syria, emphasizing that a Syria with preserved territorial integrity and political unity would be the region's greatest beneficiary.
On Sudan, Sisi noted the importance of preserving the country's state institutions, acknowledging Erdogan's ongoing diplomatic efforts. Both leaders expressed hope for sustainable peace following a ceasefire.
Regarding Iran, Sisi said the nuclear file and other issues require resolution to achieve peace in the country and the region. Erdogan agreed that diplomatic channels represent the most appropriate method for resolving matters with Iran, including the nuclear dossier.
Sisi also emphasized Egypt's opposition to Somalia's division and highlighted the importance of establishing stability in Libya, expressing unity with Türkiye on supporting Libyan-led processes. Erdogan called Israel's decision to recognize Somaliland unacceptable.
The Egyptian president concluded by announcing that the council's third meeting would take place in Ankara, calling Erdogan one of Egypt's most honored guests and expressing hope for continued improvement in bilateral relations and regional peace and stability.
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