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Since the signing of the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire deal last month, regional countries have been working to keep Washington as engaged as possible in managing the next phase. At the same time, a new dynamic is emerging: these countries do not want to rely solely on the US for the implementation of the deal. Instead, they are building their own regional consensus. A key example of this trend can be seen in the growing coordination between Egypt and Turkiye.

These two countries, along with the US and Qatar, serve as the key guarantors of the Gaza deal, which has provided them not only with enhanced diplomatic credibility but also with significant responsibility for its implementation.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty made an official visit to Ankara on Wednesday for the inaugural meeting of the Turkiye-Egypt Joint Planning Group, which focused on preparations for a high-level strategic cooperation council meeting scheduled for 2026. From Gaza to Syria, from Sudan to the Mediterranean and across military and economic domains, every aspect of their relationship was examined in depth to develop a comprehensive framework for Turkish-Egyptian coordination. However, the possible next phases of the Gaza deal, which envision the reconstruction of the Strip and the establishment of an international stabilization force to maintain stability there, were the main focus.

Turkiye played a pivotal role in bringing Hamas to the negotiating table and facilitating the signing of the Gaza deal. Despite Israeli efforts to exclude it from the process, Ankara is determined to stay actively involved in the post-deal phase through both military and humanitarian means.

Ankara is determined to stay actively involved in the post-deal phase through both military and humanitarian means

Dr. Sinem Cengiz

Ministers from seven Muslim countries met in Istanbul this month to discuss the situation in Gaza, though Egypt notably did not attend. Israeli media quickly framed Cairo’s absence as a sign of opposition to Turkiye’s potential role in an international stabilization force. I find this claim unconvincing, given that Egypt-Turkiye cooperation largely disturbs Israel. These reports appear more in line with the narrative Tel Aviv seeks to promote.

Egypt is likely to view the inclusion of Turkish troops in the stabilization force as a positive and constructive element. The visit of Abdelatty to Ankara and his alignment with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, is proof that Egypt does not want to walk the path on Gaza alone. The two foreign ministers are now preparing for the international conference on early recovery, reconstruction and development in Gaza, which is set to be held in Cairo later this month.

The recent rapprochement between Turkiye and Egypt is being cemented through reciprocal visits and the regional consensus they are building for shared relevance. Following presidential visits by both leaders last year, bilateral relations gained fresh momentum, leading to tangible results today. Ankara and Cairo have intensified their coordination beyond the leadership level, mostly through bureaucracy. Fidan has visited Egypt three times over the past year, while Abdelatty has visited Turkiye twice. The two top diplomats are coordinating their states’ respective positions with a strong reliance on institutional mechanisms.

The renewed relations between Egypt and Turkiye mark a significant diplomatic alignment after a decade of politically motivated hostility. Egypt remains a major Arab power in the Middle East, though it faces certain limitations. Turkiye, as a prominent non-Arab power, likewise has its own strengths and constraints. Yet, in many ways, the two countries are complementing each other’s limitations, creating a dynamic that fosters productive cooperation.

Ankara and Cairo have intensified their coordination beyond the leadership level, mostly through bureaucracy

Dr. Sinem Cengiz

What is clear is that Turkiye and Egypt share common concerns and recognize opportunities to collaborate. This is not only to ease regional tensions but to strengthen their regional standing. Both nations possess robust state institutions, capable human capital, an influential intelligentsia and considerable military capacity.

Turkiye and Egypt also want to boost their defense and military cooperation. Cairo is interested in joining Turkiye’s strategic project to develop the TAI Kaan stealth fighter jet. A memorandum has also been signed to pave the way for drone production in Egypt. Ankara could be the most credible non-Western partner for Cairo. It has the second-largest army within NATO and a growing defense industry thanks to its Bayraktar TB2 drones.

Turkiye currently ranks first among Middle Eastern militaries and ninth globally, while Egypt has a formidable naval force. In this context, Ankara and Cairo are seeking to reinforce their positions in the Mediterranean, which is a contested area for energy competition and broader geopolitical rivalries. They recently launched their first joint naval exercise in 13 years, which, as well as being a tactical move, could be part of a long-term strategic alignment in the Mediterranean, where Turkiye seeks friends allied with its interests.

In the past, it was often said: “Without Egypt, no war; without Syria, no peace.” Today, this sentiment could be revised: with Egypt, Turkiye and other key regional actors such as ��������, peace and stability in the region can be built. The closing of ranks among these powers is significant to avoid the intervention of third parties and could even serve as a locomotive for others to join their cooperation.

Moreover, their common stance could build the force of “stabilizers” in the region against “destabilizers” such as Israel. Thus, the ability of Egypt and Turkiye to continue this constructive coordination will not only shape their bilateral relations but will also have significant implications for the broader region. We are likely to see more developments on the Turkish-Egyptian front in the coming days; thus, it is important to keep an eye on this.

• Dr. Sinem Cengiz is a Turkish political analyst who specializes in Turkiye’s relations with the Middle East. X: @SinemCngz