Egypt-Syria relations remain cautious in the post-Assad era
Relations between Egypt and Syria continue to be characterised by hesitation and caution despite interim Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s participation in Cairo’s emergency Arab summit in March 2025.
According to MEMO, Egypt struggles to fully embrace Syria’s dramatic political transformation following Bashar Al-Assad’s fall and flight to Moscow on December 8th 2024.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s formal congratulatory message to Al-Sharaa appeared measured: “I extend my congratulations to Mr. Ahmad Al-Sharaa on assuming the presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic during the transitional phase.”
However, the diplomatic coolness was evident when Al-Sharaa arrived at Cairo International Airport and was met only by Egypt’s Minister of Supply, Sherif Farouk, a notably low-ranking reception for a head of state.
Though Al-Sisi held a bilateral meeting with his Syrian counterpart at the summit, it yielded little substantive progress.
According to the Egyptian presidency’s spokesperson, Al-Sisi merely “reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to Syria’s unity and territorial integrity,” while avoiding endorsement of the new government.
Egypt’s reluctance stems from three primary concerns: fear that revolutionary sentiment could spread to Egypt; worries about Syria harbouring Egyptian opposition figures; and anxiety over growing Turkish influence in Damascus.
Cairo’s engagement with Damascus remains exploratory and intelligence-driven. Egypt has established clear parameters for normalisation: non-interference in Egyptian affairs, no support for Islamist groups, and resistance to Turkish influence.
Egyptian officials continue to view Al-Sharaa through the lens of his past as Abu Muhammad Al-Julani, leader of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham.
Full diplomatic normalisation appears distant, with Egypt preferring to wait for Syria to complete its institutional rebuilding and demonstrate its ability to address Cairo’s security concerns before deepening ties with the new Islamist-influenced government.
MEMO
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