El Sisi begins Gulf tour in Doha with talks on Gaza and boosting trade

Egyptian President’s visit to Qatar will be followed by stop in Kuwait

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is making his third trip to Qatar since the two countries reconciled after a long-running rift. Photo: Amiri Diwan of the State of Qatar

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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi arrived in Doha on Sunday, where he was received by Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The visit, part of a broader Gulf tour including Kuwait, is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with Gulf countries and addressing pressing regional issues, particularly Israel’s war in Gaza, according to Mr El Sisi’s spokesman.

Mr El Sisi is also scheduled to meet a delegation of Qatari business leaders to discuss expanding economic co-operation between the two countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi was received in Doha by Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Photo: Amiri Diwan of the State of Qatar

The leaders will “discuss avenues to enhance co-operation across various sectors, alongside key regional developments”, the Egyptian presidency said. However, central to their discussions will be the continuing conflict in Gaza and efforts to return to a ceasefire in the embattled Palestinian enclave.

Gaza diplomacy

Egypt, Qatar and other international players have previously worked together to mediate between Israel and Palestinian factions. After a fragile ceasefire signed in January held for two months, recent escalations have reignited violence, with Israel resuming air strikes and ground operations in Gaza, and the number of casualties rising.

Mr El Sisi’s visit to Doha aims to reinvigorate diplomatic efforts to stabilise the situation, ensure the flow of aid and prevent further humanitarian catastrophes in the region.

Casualties are rising again in Gaza after a fragile ceasefire gave way to a resumption of Israeli military operations. AFP

Beyond political discussions, the visit is expected to bolster economic ties between Egypt and Qatar at a time when Egypt’s economy is facing uncertainty and rising inflation. Mr El Sisi’s trip comes two days after Egypt's government raised fuel prices, part of a larger wave of subsidy cuts that started last year.

Trade ties

Trade relations between the two nations have become stronger in recent years. In December, Qatar exported $4.4 million of goods to Egypt, primarily cars, ethylene polymers and construction vehicles. Meanwhile, Egypt exported $12.2 million of produce to Qatar, with citrus fruit, video displays and tomatoes leading the list.

While Qatar’s exports to Egypt underwent a 20.3 per cent decline year-on-year, imports from Egypt increased significantly by 72.7 per cent, reflecting opportunities for expanded trade.

Following his visit to Qatar, Mr El Sisi will continue his Gulf tour with a stop in Kuwait, for talks on the same matters. His visit to Doha marks only his third trip to Qatar since the two countries reconciled after a years-long rift.

The dispute between the countries has gradually healed since the 2021 AlUla Declaration. Relations have since improved significantly, with Qatar's Emir visiting Cairo several times, including as recently as March 4, when he participated in an Arab League summit on Gaza.