Egypt’s President Sisi met with Syria’s new President Sharaa in Cairo at a Gaza reconstruction summit. Sharaa, previously linked to al-Qaeda, is seeking support internationally after leading a rebellion against Assad. Sisi’s cautious approach reflects Egypt’s significant role and relationships in Middle Eastern politics.
Cairo recently hosted a summit focusing on the reconstruction of Gaza, during which Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met for the first time with Syria’s newly appointed President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The meeting marks a significant diplomatic engagement between the two nations amidst the shifting political dynamics in the region.
President Sharaa, who previously had affiliations with al-Qaeda, has actively sought support from both Arab and Western leaders following his leadership role in the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. His administration has been attempting to establish itself in the international community, leveraging recent events in Syria.
Sisi’s approach to the new Syrian leadership has been more cautious compared to that of other Gulf states, reflecting Egypt’s complex geopolitical considerations. As a prominent player in Middle Eastern politics and a close ally of the U.S., Egypt maintains a careful stance on the unfolding situation in Syria.
The Syrian state news agency confirmed that Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani was also part of the meeting with no further details provided regarding the topics discussed. This meeting indicates an ongoing interest in diplomatic relations amid regional challenges.
The meeting between Sisi and Sharaa symbolizes a potential shift in diplomatic relations between Egypt and Syria. With Sharaa’s efforts to gain international legitimacy and Sisi’s careful handling of Islamist relations, the discussions could pave the way for future engagements. Observers remain focused on how Egypt’s cautious stance will influence the broader political landscape in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
