Egypt Deepens Security Ties with Turkey, Qatar

Egypt has intensified its military and security cooperation with Turkey and Qatar, marking a significant shift after years of political tension and understanding differences, according to a review of recent reporting in the Egyptian press.

The growing cooperation follows a prolonged period of strained relations rooted in Ankara’s and Doha’s past support for the Muslim Brotherhood, which is designated in Egypt as a terrorist organization. Qatar’s backing of the group was a key factor behind the boycott imposed on Doha by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain between 2017 and 2021. Egypt also severed ties with Turkey in 2013 following the removal of former president Mohamed Morsi and the rise to power of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Diplomatic relations with Ankara were restored only in 2022.

Military cooperation between Egypt and Turkey resumed and expanded after the renewal of diplomatic relations, which was facilitated by Qatari mediation. The rapprochement has been reflected in meetings between senior military officials, joint exercises and growing cooperation in defense production. At the EDEX 2025 international defense exhibition, organized by the Egyptian Armed Forces in New Cairo, Egypt and Turkey showcased joint military products, including armored vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles, a capability of increasing importance to Egypt amid modern regional conflicts.

Cooperation between Egypt and Qatar has also taken shape since the end of the boycott in 2021. A bilateral Military Cooperation Committee has convened annually since 2023, with its most recent meeting held in Egypt in December 2025. Media in both countries reported that the talks resulted in understandings on exchanges of expertise and expanded cooperation in military training.

The tightening of defense ties with Turkey and Qatar forms part of a broader Egyptian strategy, evident since the early years of President al-Sisi’s rule, aimed at diversifying sources of weaponry, modernizing the armed forces and boosting domestic defense production through partnerships with foreign states. At EDEX 2025, Egypt unveiled several locally produced systems, including the Jabbar series of attack drones.

Egypt’s military buildup is driven by what officials and analysts describe as mounting security threats, including instability in Libya to the west, conflict in Sudan to the south, and tensions linked to Gaza Strip and Israel to the east. Additional concerns include disruption to shipping in the Red Sea by the Houthi movement and missile and drone launches toward Israel passing through Egyptian airspace.

Military coordination among Egypt, Turkey and Qatar has been accompanied by diplomatic collaboration, particularly on the Palestinian issue. Egypt and Qatar have acted as the primary mediators, alongside the United States, between Israel and Hamas since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, with Turkey joining mediation efforts at a later stage.

Economic and trade ties among the three countries have also deepened. Qatar and Egypt have recently agreed on Qatari investments in Egypt worth tens of billions of dollars, while Ankara and Cairo are holding talks aimed at significantly expanding bilateral trade, with potential cooperation in the energy sector under discussion.

The strengthening of relations between Egypt and Turkey accelerated after a landmark meeting in November 2022 between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President al-Sisi on the sidelines of the World Cup in Qatar. The encounter paved the way for a full restoration and upgrading of diplomatic and military ties. The two countries exchanged ambassadors in July 2023, followed by reciprocal presidential visits in 2024.

During these exchanges, Cairo and Ankara agreed to establish a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council and signed agreements and memoranda of understanding covering energy, defense industry cooperation and other sectors. Senior military visits followed, including a May 2025 trip by Egyptian Chief of Staff Ahmed Khalifa to Ankara, during which both sides agreed to hold annual meetings at that level.

Naval cooperation has also been revived. In September 2025, Egypt and Turkey resumed the joint Sea of Friendship naval exercise after a 13-year pause. The drills included live fire exercises, maritime security operations and helicopter landings on vessels, with senior commanders from both navies observing parts of the man oeuvres.

According to regional analysts, the timing of the exercise was intended to convey a deterrent message amid heightened regional tensions. Writing in the Saudi based daily Al Sharq Al Awsat, Major General Hamdy Bekhiet of Egypt’s Nasser Military Academy said the renewed cooperation signaled the potential for future coordination between Cairo and Ankara in the event of wider regional confrontations.