Egypt-Turkey defense cooperation impacts regional alliances

A report by the London-based newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat highlights the potential impact of strengthening defense and military cooperation between Egypt and Turkey on Cairo's relations with Greece and Cyprus. Athens and Nicosia are reportedly monitoring these developments closely due to their ongoing disputes with Turkey regarding the Cyprus issue, maritime zones, and East Mediterranean energy resources. Egyptian analysts cited in the report acknowledge the difficulty for Cairo in maintaining a balance between these competing interests. However, they maintain that the Egypt-Turkey rapprochement is not directed against Greece or Cyprus and could potentially benefit them under certain conditions. Since 2014, Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece have maintained a structured tripartite strategic cooperation framework, which has included ten summits, the most recent held in Cairo in January 2025. Additionally, the foreign ministers of the three countries recently held political consultations in Cairo. During these talks, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the unique character of Egypt's relations with Greece and Cyprus, describing their partnership as a model for regional integration.