In a significant diplomatic move, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met in Ankara to discuss the ongoing war in Gaza and explore ways to repair long-frozen relations between their two countries. The historic meeting, which marks the first such presidential visit in more than a decade, represents a major milestone in regional politics.

The diplomatic thaw began in 2020, when Ankara made efforts to ease tensions with its Middle Eastern rivals, including Egypt. Last year, the two countries appointed ambassadors, signaling a mutual commitment to rebuilding ties. During Erdogan’s visit, the two leaders traveled together to the presidential palace for in-depth talks, focusing on areas such as cooperation on natural gas and nuclear energy.

The ministers of the two countries signed 18 memoranda of understanding covering energy, defense, tourism, health and other key sectors. Erdogan stressed the goal of increasing bilateral trade from $5 billion to $15 billion over the next five years. The two leaders also stressed their common stance on the Palestinian cause, advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to violence in the West Bank.

(With contributions from agencies.)