Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt and Turkey have agreed to support a comprehensive US-led plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza, including a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory, following high-level talks in Cairo between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The discussions underscored a growing convergence between Cairo and Ankara on key regional crises, with both leaders emphasizing the urgency of de-escalation in the Middle East and the need to translate the current ceasefire in Gaza into a lasting political and humanitarian process. The two sides stressed the importance of consolidating the ceasefire, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid, reopening the Rafah crossing, and launching early recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip.
Central to the talks was shared support for the American initiative put forward by President Donald Trump, which seeks to bring a definitive end to hostilities after months of devastating conflict. Egyptian and Turkish officials framed the plan as a starting point for stabilizing Gaza, provided it leads to a complete Israeli withdrawal and meaningful international engagement in reconstruction and governance arrangements.
Both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state solution as the only viable framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They stressed the necessity of establishing an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, describing this outcome as essential for achieving long-term regional stability.
Beyond Gaza, the Cairo talks addressed a range of regional flashpoints, reflecting a broader alignment between Egypt and Turkey after years of strained relations. The two leaders reiterated their support for a UN-led political process in Libya, calling for an inclusive settlement that preserves the country’s unity and sovereignty. They also emphasized the importance of safeguarding Syria’s territorial integrity and supporting efforts to prevent further fragmentation of the country.
Regional security dynamics featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides agreeing on the need to reduce tensions and create conditions conducive to the resumption of negotiations between the United States and Iran. Egyptian and Turkish officials indicated that renewed diplomacy could help avert further escalation and contribute to a more stable regional balance.
The talks also highlighted shared concerns over security in Africa and critical maritime routes. Cairo and Ankara stressed the importance of preserving stability in Sudan and Somalia, securing navigation in the Red Sea, and supporting peace and development efforts across the Horn of Africa. These issues have gained increased urgency amid rising geopolitical competition and threats to international trade routes.
The meeting in Cairo signals a notable deepening of Egyptian-Turkish coordination on regional affairs, positioning both countries as key diplomatic actors in shaping post-war arrangements in Gaza and addressing wider Middle Eastern and African security challenges.
