Erdoğan and Sisi Meet in Cairo, Sign Seven Agreements

Concluding his Middle East tour with a visit to Egypt, Turkish President Erdoğan arrived in Cairo following his engagements in Saudi Arabia. He was welcomed at Cairo International Airport by President el-Sisi, his spouse Entissar Amer, and Türkiye’s Ambassador to Cairo, Salih Mutlu Şen. A formal ceremony was later held at the Al-Ittihadiya Palace, where the two leaders held a private meeting before chairing the second meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

Gaza and the Palestinian Cause

Speaking after the talks, Erdoğan said the Palestinian cause constitutes the main pillar of the shared agenda between Türkiye and Egypt. He noted that despite an existing ceasefire, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues. Referring to Israeli attacks and civilian casualties since October 11, Erdoğan said both countries reject actions and violations aimed at undermining regional initiatives. He stressed that Türkiye would provide all possible support for the reconstruction of Gaza and would continue to work closely with Egypt to help establish lasting peace.

Trade Targets and Eastern Mediterranean Cooperation

Economic relations featured prominently during the meeting. Erdoğan highlighted that Egypt remains Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade volumes remaining between $8 billion and $9 billion over the past three years. Both sides agreed to raise this figure to $15 billion.

The leaders also underlined the importance of cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting that Türkiye and Egypt are neighboring countries with the longest coastlines in the region. They expressed a shared willingness to strengthen cooperation in maritime trade and transportation, freedom of navigation, and maritime security.

Regional Issues: Libya, Sudan, Somalia, and Syria

The talks also covered key regional developments. On Libya, both leaders reiterated their shared objective of preserving the country’s unity and territorial integrity to ensure lasting stability. Regarding Sudan, Erdoğan said priority should be given to securing an immediate ceasefire, followed by a sustainable peace process.

Erdoğan also rejected Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, emphasizing Türkiye’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. On Syria, he stated that Türkiye supports the ongoing transformation process and welcomed Egypt’s position in favor of preserving Syria’s unity, while warning that external interventions pose serious risks to regional stability, particularly in relation to Iran.

“Erdoğan Is Egypt’s Most Esteemed Guest”

President el-Sisi described the Middle East as a region increasingly vulnerable to crises and instability. He said Türkiye–Egypt cooperation must be strengthened to reach sustainable political solutions and stressed the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and restoring calm.
El-Sisi also said the leaders discussed Iran’s nuclear file, underlining the need for a resolution that would contribute to peace in the region. Announcing that the third meeting of the council would be held in Ankara, he described President Erdoğan as “Egypt’s most esteemed guest.”

Seven Agreements Signed

Following the talks, Erdoğan and el-Sisi signed the joint declaration of the second meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. The seven agreements signed between the two countries are as follows:

• A Military Framework Agreement between the governments of Türkiye and Egypt
• A Memorandum of Understanding on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices between Türkiye’s Medicines and Medical Devices Agency and Egypt’s Drug Authority
• A Plant Quarantine Cooperation Agreement aimed at facilitating agricultural trade
• A Veterinary Services Cooperation Agreement to enhance animal health and food safety
• A Joint Ministerial Statement on Trade and Investment between the two countries’ trade authorities
• A Memorandum of Understanding on Social Protection between the ministries responsible for social services
• A Youth and Sports Cooperation Agreement between the respective ministries of both countries

The agreements aim to institutionalize cooperation and provide a long-term framework for bilateral relations.

Domestic Gift Drom Erdoğan to Sisi

As a symbolic gesture reflecting the normalization and strengthening of ties, President Erdoğan presented President el-Sisi with a red Togg, Türkiye’s domestically produced electric vehicle.