Egyptian President Sisi met Syria’s President Sharaa in Cairo during a summit on Gaza reconstruction, marking their first encounter. Sharaa seeks support from the international community since his rise to power following the ousting of Assad. Sisi remains cautious in his engagement with the new Syrian regime, reflecting Egypt’s geopolitical strategies.
On Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, during a summit in Cairo that addressed the reconstruction of Gaza. This marks the first official meeting between the two leaders. President Sharaa, once associated with al-Qaeda, has been seeking support from Arab and Western nations since he led the revolt that ousted former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Sisi has implemented strict measures against Islamist movements within Egypt, the most populous Arab nation, which wields significant influence across the Middle East and maintains a close alliance with the United States. Unlike several Gulf states, Egypt has taken a more cautious approach in its response to the newly established Syrian leadership, which has faced criticism from state-run media in Egypt.
According to the Syrian state news agency, the meeting also included Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani; however, there were no further details provided regarding the agenda of this significant encounter. This interaction represents an important step in the dynamics of regional politics and the evolving relationship between Egypt and Syria.
In summary, the meeting between President Sisi and President Sharaa signifies a critical moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics, highlighting Egypt’s cautious approach toward the new Syrian leadership. This meeting is also indicative of Sharaa’s efforts to solidify his authority and seek international recognition following his ascent to power. The absence of specific details about their discussions suggests a level of discretion regarding future cooperation.
Original Source: www.usnews.com