Summary by News About Turkey (NAT)
The rapprochement between Turkey and Egypt indicates possible collaboration while also underscoring latent tensions in the Horn of Africa, an area of growing geopolitical importance. Recent developments encompass agreements regarding defence and security, shown by February’s joint statement and Egypt’s August defence pact with Somalia, which entailed the provision of military assistance to Mogadishu. These actions reveal shared interests while also indicating possible tensions between Ankara and Cairo.
Since 2019, Turkey has implemented a pragmatic foreign policy, emphasizing nationalism over its previous Islamist orientation, while pursuing regional stability to foster economic growth. Egypt, confronting economic difficulties, regards Turkey as a significant ally, especially in defence and commerce, and has pursued alternatives to conventional military suppliers. Both nations have also addressed regional issues, like the Israel-Palestine conflict and maritime disputes between Ethiopia and Somaliland, resulting in instances of alignment.
Nonetheless, differing methods in Somalia, where Egypt has strengthened its military presence, along with wider regional conflicts in Libya and the Eastern Mediterranean, underscore the intricacies of their rapprochement. Both states encounter difficulties in reconciling these conflicts while managing external pressures, such as rivalries with Gulf powers and the increasing influence of Iran.
The developing relationship between Turkey and Egypt illustrates the complex dynamics of collaboration and rivalry in the Horn of Africa, with significant consequences for regional stability and geopolitics. Their actions in the forthcoming years will influence not only their bilateral relations but also the dynamics of this strategically significant region.
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