Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met Syria’s new president Ahmed al-Sharaa for the first time at a summit in Cairo, focusing on Gaza reconstruction. Sharaa, an Islamist leader seeking support post-Assad regime, interacts cautiously with Egypt, which has cracked down on Islamists. The presence of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani was noted, although details on the meeting’s agenda were not provided.
On Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held a significant meeting with Syria’s newly elected president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, during a summit focused on the reconstruction of Gaza in Cairo. This meeting marked their first encounter since Sharaa’s leadership began after a successful rebel offensive that led to the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Sharaa, identified as an Islamist and previously associated with al-Qaeda, is actively seeking to build political support from both Arab and Western nations. In contrast, President Sisi has enforced stringent measures against Islamists within Egypt, which underscores the complexities of their relationship given Egypt’s influential role in the Middle Eastern landscape and its strong alliance with the United States.
Cairo has taken a more measured approach compared to its Gulf counterparts regarding the new Syrian leadership, which has faced criticism from state-affiliated media in Egypt. The Syrian state news agency mentioned that Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani was also present at the discussions, although specifics of the agenda were not disclosed.
The meeting between Presidents Sisi and Sharaa highlights the evolving political dynamics in the region, particularly in the context of Syria’s new leadership. It underscores Egypt’s cautious stance amid its strong ties to the United States and its internal policies regarding Islamist figures. As regional powers navigate these relationships, the implications for future cooperation on vital issues such as Gaza remain significant.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
