Turkey’s President Erdogan will visit Cairo for talks with Egyptian President el-Sisi, focusing on Syria following the overthrow of Assad. The meeting reflects Turkey’s influential role in Syrian politics and aims for collaborative efforts in reconstruction and governance amid concerns over HTS’s rise.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey is scheduled to visit Cairo to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, with their discussions focused primarily on the situation in Syria. This meeting takes place as Egypt seeks to address its concerns regarding the establishment of a new Syrian government following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Erdogan will participate in a summit of developing nations, the D-8, on 19 December. This collaborative effort highlights Erdogan’s growing influence in the region due to the changing political landscape in Syria, particularly following the recent activities of Syrian rebels.
Erdogan’s longstanding support for Syrian opposition forces remains relevant as Turkey’s National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) chief, Ibrahim Kalin, visited Damascus amid heightened tensions regarding a potential restructuring of Syrian governance. Despite regional apprehensions about the rise of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate now emerging in Syrian politics, recent interactions between HTS and ambassadors from various Arab nations indicate a fragile attempt at stability, as HTS promises to form an inclusive government.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also expected to attend the Cairo summit, suggesting potential for dialogue involving Turkey and Iran amidst regional diplomatic efforts. The significance of Syria is underscored by the various Arab states’ concerns regarding HTS’s influence, as well as Turkey’s articulate strategy to facilitate the return of approximately three million Syrian refugees through necessary reconstruction efforts, projected to cost around $400 billion. Furthermore, Erdogan and Sisi’s evolving relationship, previously marked by political disputes, now demonstrates a willingness to collaborate on reconstruction, indicating a noteworthy shift within regional politics.
The geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East have been influenced significantly by the Syrian conflict, particularly since the Arab Spring of 2011. Turkey has played a pivotal role in supporting Syrian opposition groups, which has established its influence in post-Assad politics. The recent ousting of the Assad regime by HTS has prompted renewed diplomatic activity among Arab nations concerned about the potential rise of extremist elements in Syria. Turkey, alongside Egypt and Iran, is engaged in navigating these shifts to form a stable governance solution that accommodates the interests of multiple parties in the region. The upcoming Erdogan-Sisi meeting represents an important step in reconciling past tensions and promoting collaborative governance in Syria, as both nations seek to bolster their influence amid evolving circumstances.
In summary, President Erdogan’s impending visit to Cairo symbolizes a crucial diplomatic engagement aimed at addressing Syria’s future governance following the upheaval of the Assad regime. Amidst Egypt’s efforts to align with Turkey for regional stabilization, the meeting is poised to open pathways for collaborative reconstruction strategies while tackling concerns over HTS’s role in Syrian politics. This visit highlights the intricate interplay between various regional players as they endeavor to restore stability and foster cooperative governance in an increasingly complex Middle Eastern landscape.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
