From military alliance to the Suez Canal: The major deal building between Cairo and Ankara
Ankara seeks to include Egypt in a new defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, but Cairo is leveraging this rapprochement to promote investments, a Turkish industrial zone in the Suez Canal, and an increase in bilateral trade to $15 billion.
Turkey is attempting to include Egypt in a new mutual defense agreement signed with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Cairo is leveraging this rapprochement not only to strengthen its political and security status but also to promote a series of ambitious economic moves, including the establishment of a Turkish industrial zone in the Suez Canal and increasing bilateral trade to $15 billion.
The invitation for Egypt to join the "Mecca Joint Defense Agreement" places Cairo at the center of an emerging regional bloc. During his visit to El Alamein, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized Egypt's strategic importance to Ankara.
Alongside Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Fidan stated that Turkey and Egypt are "two great countries" bearing historical responsibility in the region. He noted that strengthening cooperation would serve peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East. Ankara has made it clear it wants Egypt to become an official partner in the defense agreement, under which an attack on one member state would be considered an attack on all.
Cairo's cautious approach
Despite Turkish overtures, Egypt remains cautious. Abdelatty clarified that while Cairo is fully coordinated with the signatories, the defense commitments require in-depth examination before a final decision is made.
Instead of rushing into a binding military alliance, Egypt used the meeting to anchor a broader strategic dialogue on its own terms. Following bilateral talks, a trilateral meeting was held with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Security contacts also took place behind the scenes, with Fidan meeting the head of Egypt's General Intelligence Service, Hassan Rashad.
Economic priorities
From Cairo's perspective, the dialogue with Turkey extends beyond security. Egypt aims to translate warmer relations into investments, jobs, and export growth, using its location as a hub for Turkish companies in Africa and the Middle East.
The joint planning group meeting focused on increasing bilateral trade to $15 billion, a target set by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Cairo presented a package of measures, including a "fast track" licensing mechanism and the development of an integrated Turkish industrial zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone, targeting sectors like automotive, heavy machinery, and textiles.
Regional issues
Both countries discussed the renewal of a Ro-Ro shipping line and investments in the mining sector. Agreements were signed regarding rules of origin and logistical connectivity. On regional crises, both sides expressed support for ending the escalation in the Gaza Strip, calling for an Israeli withdrawal and the unhindered transfer of humanitarian aid. The situation in Sudan and Libya was also addressed, with both nations advocating for political stability and internal sovereignty.
