Article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/14/turkey-hails-new-era-with-egypt-after-tensions
Analysis:
Mevlut Cavusoglu, the Turkish Foreign Minister, has indicated that a new period diplomatically is beginning between Turkey and Egypt. The relationship between the two has been strained following Egypt’s 2013 overthrow of their first democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi. The Turkish President, Recept Tayyip Erdoğan, had been supporting Morsi at that time; however, that year both completely stopped their ties and saw an end to their relationship.
Last month, Turkey claimed to have established the first diplomatic ties since the split in 2013. It is a step on Turkey’s new path of repairing connections with other old Middle Eastern rivals. However, ambassadorial appointments have not been officially set between the two countries.
The Turkey-Egypt relationship has been complex over the years, so it may take awhile to see significantly improved relations. Currently, there are signs of a positive relationship being formed. Still, it is interesting because their original separation comes from a difference in ideology which often is difficult to truly overcome.
From a realist perspective, alliances and relationships are fluid and change whenever the relationship can become a source of power for the state. This partly explains Turkey’s intentions because they seem to be partly rooted in the desire for regional power. This perspective would indicate that others in the region would not want this relationship to become too successful as it may shift power.
Some speculate that with a democratic and economically strong Egypt, Turkey may be able to help Arab countries form some regional order. The reason this needs to be watched closely is to determine any shifts that may be made within the region and to power internationally. Realm leaders such as the US, China, and Russia also have an interest in this relationship because Turkey may be slowly expanding its power with the help of this new-forming partnership.