ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday welcomed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who arrived in the capital Ankara for an official visit, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties.

Al-Sisi and his delegation landed at Esenboga Airport, where they were received by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Ankara Governor Vasip Sahin, and other officials. Erdogan and al-Sisi then proceeded to the Presidential Complex for a formal welcoming ceremony.

"I express my great happiness with my first visit to the Republic of Türkiye, and my meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as our two ancient countries share deep-rooted historic and popular relations," al-Sisi said in a statement on X. He emphasized the visit's significance in launching a new era of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

The leaders held a bilateral meeting before co-chairing the inaugural session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. They will also attend an agreement-signing ceremony and hold a joint press conference.

Al-Sisi's visit follows Erdogan's visit to Egypt in February and a separate visit by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to Cairo in August, reflecting renewed efforts to bolster ties between the two countries. — Agencies