Erdoğan’s Surprise Meetings: Is Turkey Redrawing the Regional Map?
A surprise meeting in Ankara raises questions about Turkey’s role in shaping Syria’s future and regional alliances.
Watan-In an unexpected development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received both Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the interim president of Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, and Badr Abdel Aty, Egypt’s foreign minister, on the same day. The simultaneous meetings in Ankara have sparked questions about the motivations behind these moves and whether Turkey is actively reshaping the regional landscape in its favor, particularly in light of recent developments in Syria.
Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s visit to Ankara comes just days after his first trip to Saudi Arabia, highlighting Turkey’s role in supporting the new leadership in Damascus after Assad’s fall. Meanwhile, the arrival of Egypt’s foreign minister in Turkey reflects the ongoing improvement in ties between Cairo and Ankara, following years of strained relations that began after the ousting of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.
Is Turkey Mediating Between Egypt and Syria’s New Leadership?
The timing of these meetings raises speculation about whether Turkey is acting as a mediator between Cairo and the new Syrian government, especially since Egypt has yet to officially declare its stance on Syria’s leadership after Assad’s removal. However, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s recent congratulatory message to Ahmad Al-Sharaa on his appointment could indicate that Cairo is preparing to turn a new page in its relations with Damascus, following years of diplomatic estrangement.
Erdoğan’s Pragmatic Approach to Regional Politics
Turkish foreign policy has always been driven by strategic interests, and Erdoğan has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to adapt to shifting regional dynamics. His handshake with Sisi after years of political hostility and media attacks between the two sides is a clear example of this flexibility. Now, it appears that Erdoğan is applying the same strategy in dealing with Syria’s new leadership, aiming to bolster Turkey’s influence in Damascus while avoiding direct confrontation with Egypt, which remains a key player in the region.
What’s Next?
The crucial question remains: Are we on the verge of a rapprochement between Cairo and Damascus under Turkey’s mediation? Could this be part of a broader regional realignment that involves a reshuffling of alliances? The coming days will reveal more details about these diplomatic maneuvers and the potential surprises they might bring to the Arab political landscape.
