Egyptian president meets with Syria’s interim leader signaling new phase in diplomatic relations

After years of backing former Syrian dictator Bashir al-Assad, Egypt’s president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with the man who orchestrated his removal, Reuters reports. 

The meeting between al-Sisi and Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, occurred on Tuesday, on the sidelines of a Cairo summit to discuss Gaza’s future.

Al-Sharaa, previously known by the nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, was formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda in Syria. His rise to power follows the removal of longtime Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, whom Egypt had supported for years.

Given al-Sisi’s firm stance against Islamist groups, his meeting with al-Sharaa highlights Egypt’s cautious approach toward Syria’s new administration.

Unlike some Arab nations that have embraced Syria’s leadership transition, Egypt has been more reserved. State-run media in Egypt have voiced skepticism about al-Sharaa’s government, in contrast to other regional powers that have shown greater openness. The meeting was also attended by Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, according to Syrian state media.

In an official statement, President al-Sisi underscored the need for a “comprehensive political process, encompassing all components of the Syrian people, without the exclusion of any party.” Meanwhile, al-Sharaa has previously stated that Syria’s focus remains on rebuilding infrastructure, estimating that presidential elections will not be feasible for another four to five years.

Despite past tensions, al-Sharaa expressed optimism about fostering stronger ties with Arab nations, particularly Egypt, signaling a potential new phase in regional diplomacy.