Egypt has categorically denied claims in Syrian media that Foreign Minister Badr Abdelati is planning a visit to Damascus in the coming days, „Al Ahram“ reported, citing a government source.
According to these publications, as a result of Turkey's mediation, Abdelati was to meet with Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as al-Julani. Sharaa is said to have ousted President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month.
Speculation about Abdelati's upcoming visit intensified after a statement by the newly appointed Syrian Foreign Minister, Assad Hassan al-Shaabani. In an article in Ex (X), he expressed a desire to build “strategic ties“ with Egypt, based on respect for ”sovereignty of both countries without interference in internal affairs“, ”Al Ahram“ reported.
Meanwhile, several Arab capitals have sent delegations to Damascus to meet with the new Syrian leadership, which includes representatives of ”Hayat Tahrir al-Sham“ — a radical rebel group that has its roots in organizations such as „Al Qaeda“ and „Islamic State“. Egypt, however, is maintaining a cautious approach.
Cairo, which itself is battling radical groups in Sinai, is waiting to see how events unfold, asserting its commitment to regional stability. Last week, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called for a „comprehensive political process“ in Syria that would include all Syrian groups.
During a meeting with Jordanian King Abdullah II, al-Sisi stressed the importance of supporting the unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian state. In a statement following the fall of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, Egypt called for “putting the supreme national interest first“ and a focus on unifying goals and priorities for Syria's future.