Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met for the first time with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, during a Gaza reconstruction summit in Cairo. Sharaa, who formerly aligned with al-Qaeda, seeks support following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Egypt’s cautious approach contrasts with Gulf states’ responses, reflecting regional complexities in diplomacy and governance.
On Tuesday, in Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met for the first time with Syria’s newly appointed president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, during a summit convened to address the reconstruction of Gaza. This meeting is notable as it marks a significant development in relations between the two nations, particularly given the recent political changes in Syria.
President Sharaa, who has previously been affiliated with extremist groups including al-Qaeda, has been actively seeking support from both Arab and Western leaders since he emerged as a prominent figure following the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. His leadership has raised both interest and caution among regional powers due to his Islamist background.
In contrast to other Gulf states, Egypt has adopted a more measured approach to the new Syrian leadership, reflecting its broader political stance in the region. Egyptian media has often criticized the Syrian government, indicating a level of wariness in engaging fully with Sharaa and his administration.
Moreover, the Syrian state news agency reported that Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani participated in the meeting alongside President Sharaa, although no specific details regarding the agenda of their discussions were disclosed. This lack of clarity points to the complexities involved in the ongoing diplomatic dialogues between Egypt and Syria amidst regional tensions.
This meeting between Presidents Sisi and Sharaa represents an important encounter in the context of Middle Eastern politics, highlighting Egypt’s cautious approach towards the new Syrian leadership. President Sharaa’s historical associations and the ongoing complexities in regional relations suggest that future interactions will be carefully monitored. The dynamics at play reflect both a pursuit of collaboration and an awareness of potential ideological differences.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
