A friendly conversation described by Egyptian and Syrian media as 'cordial' occurred during the Cyprus summit held on Friday between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his Syrian counterpart Ahmad al-Shara. This dialogue brings to mind the trajectory of relations between the two countries, which have seen significant shifts in recent years.
According to experts speaking to Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, the friendly meeting between the two presidents could be seen as a positive step towards enhancing economic cooperation between Egypt and Syria, especially in light of previous understandings regarding the reconstruction of Syria. However, they also pointed out that there are challenges that must be overcome to achieve this goal.
Details of the Event
Media outlets in Cairo and Damascus reported that the conversation between el-Sisi and al-Shara was part of broader discussions about regional developments and enhancing Arab-European cooperation. However, some reports on social media claimed that the two presidents did not engage in effective dialogue, a claim denied by Egyptian journalist Amr Adib, who indicated that the discussions proceeded normally.
Mohamed Higazy, a member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, considered the friendly dialogue not merely a protocol snapshot but a reflection of political will to avoid any impression of isolation. He confirmed that communication channels between Cairo and Damascus are open and functioning positively.
Background & Context
Since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis, Egyptian-Syrian relations have notably declined. However, in recent years, Egypt has begun taking steps to rebuild these relations, hosting a joint economic forum in Damascus last January after signing memorandums of understanding in the energy sector.
Additionally, el-Sisi and al-Shara met on the sidelines of the emergency Arab summit in Cairo in March 2025. These meetings indicate Egypt's desire to strengthen cooperation with Syria, particularly in light of increasing regional challenges.
Impact & Consequences
The friendly dialogue between the two presidents may open new avenues for cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of economy and energy. Nevertheless, the security situation and armed groups in Syria remain major challenges that could hinder this cooperation.
Experts believe that strengthening Egyptian-Syrian relations could contribute to greater stability in the region, especially given the current regional circumstances. Moreover, reintegrating Syria into the Arab framework may represent a mutual interest for both Egypt and Syria.
Regional Significance
The Egyptian-Syrian relationship is part of a broader Arab landscape, where it can influence the balance of power in the region. Strengthening these relations could help reduce the role of non-Arab powers in the area and enhance opportunities for Arab cooperation.
In conclusion, the friendly dialogue between el-Sisi and al-Shara appears to mark a new beginning for stronger relations between Egypt and Syria, despite the challenges they face. This step could serve as a launchpad for rebuilding the historical ties between the two countries.