Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
TL;DR
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi now publicly engages with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, working to upgrade relations following years of deep antagonism.
Key Points
Agreed on the immediate start of upgrading diplomatic relations and exchanging ambassadors following a phone call on May 30, 2023.
Both leaders emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during talks on February 4, 2026.
Reiterated a mutual goal to increase the bilateral trade volume to $15 billion during talks in December 2024.
Summary
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi views Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a necessary regional counterpart with whom he must coordinate on key issues, despite a history of profound ideological and political opposition. The core of the relationship involved deep strain after Sisi’s 2013 ousting of the Muslim Brotherhood-led government, which Erdogan strongly supported, leading Erdogan to previously label Sisi a "brutal killer." However, recent years have seen a clear diplomatic thaw, demonstrated by reciprocal high-level visits and agreements to restore full diplomatic ties, including exchanging ambassadors by July 2023.
The current position prioritizes regional stability and economic cooperation, often seen through joint discussions on the situation in Gaza and mutual goals for increasing bilateral trade volume to $15 billion. Both leaders emphasize consultation and coordination on regional crises, indicating a pragmatic shift away from past acrimony toward practical engagement. Sisi has expressed happiness about visiting Turkey to meet Erdogan, reflecting a political will to start a new phase of friendship and cooperation.
Key Quotes
We also affirmed the necessity of working to raise the volume of trade exchange to $15bn and removing any obstacles that may hinder achieving this goal
... the two presidents emphasized that this escalatory approach could have disastrous repercussions for the region and for regional security and stability. It could also expose the capabilities of the region's peoples to grave danger, jeopardizing the entire Middle East, which could slide into widespread chaos, the consequences of which will be borne by all countries without exception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's stance has shifted from antagonism to pragmatic rapprochement with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. They now engage in high-level talks to coordinate on regional issues and deepen economic ties. This is evident in their recent meetings and agreements to restore full diplomatic representation.
Yes, the position has significantly evolved from deep strain to a working relationship. After years of opposition stemming from political differences, the two leaders have been actively mending ties since at least 2023. This is marked by reciprocal visits and restored ambassadorial relations.
The Egyptian President stated he was very happy about the prospect of visiting Turkey to meet his Turkish counterpart. Sisi expressed hope that such visits would reflect a shared desire between both nations to commence a new era of cooperation. They continue to consult on stabilizing the region.
Sources5
Sisi Says Happy To Visit Turkey, Meet Erdogan
Gaza on the agenda as Turkiye's Erdogan meets Egypt's el-Sisi in Cairo
President El-Sisi Speaks with Turkish President
Egypt's El-Sisi, Turkiye's Erdogan agree on reinstating ambassadors
Turkey's Erdogan in Egypt, holds first meeting with Sisi after Assad's fall
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.