Egypt’s Sisi Meets Syria’s New President Sharaa in Cairo Summit

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, for the first time during a summit in Cairo concerning Gaza’s reconstruction. Sharaa seeks international support after leading the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Egypt has taken a cautious approach towards the new Syrian leadership amid its alliance with the U.S.

On Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with Syria’s newly appointed president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, during a summit in Cairo dedicated to discussing the reconstruction of Gaza. This meeting marked the first interaction between the two leaders, highlighting the evolving dynamics in the region. Sharaa, an Islamist figure associated previously with al-Qaeda, has sought to garner support from both Arab and Western nations since leading the offensive that ousted former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

In contrast to its Gulf allies, Egypt has adopted a more cautious stance regarding the new Syrian leadership, whose government has faced criticism from state-run media. President Sisi’s administration has maintained a firm stance against Islamist movements within Egypt, underscoring its influence as a dominant Arab nation and a close ally of the United States. The meeting also included Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, although no specifics regarding the agenda were provided by the Syrian state news agency.

In summary, the meeting between President Sisi and President Sharaa represents a significant diplomatic engagement amid shifting regional alliances. While Egypt has traditionally exercised caution in its relations with Syrian leaders, this encounter may signify the beginning of a new chapter for collaboration. The dialogue also reflects ongoing efforts by Sharaa to establish legitimacy on the international stage following the upheaval in Syrian governance.

Original Source: www.usnews.com