Egypt may join Turkey-Pakistan-Saudi defence pact, alliance not against Iran

Egypt could potentially join the new defence pact between Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia once certain technical matters are resolved, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, while stressing that the alliance was not directed against Iran.

Fidan said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wanted the alliance to expand beyond its three founding members and bring other regional countries under the same framework.

The three countries signed the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement” on Friday, pledging collective deterrence against aggression. The pact stipulates that an armed attack on any one of the members would be regarded as an attack on all three, making it technically similar to NATO’s Article 5 mutual defence provision, Fidan said.

However, Fidan stressed that the agreement was not aimed at Iran or any other specific country. Speaking to state-run Anadolu news agency, he said the pact was a general commitment to support the security of its members.

He said the countries would consult on the degree, form and format of assistance required if any member came under attack. Fidan added that no country would be considered a threat unless it attacked one of the members.

Turkey, which has NATO’s second-largest military, has said the new alliance is open to expansion and is not intended to replace existing security arrangements.

Fidan said the three countries had worked for two years and eight months to finalise the agreement. A ministerial committee, similar to NATO’s structure, is expected to be established, while a general secretariat will be based in Saudi Arabia.

“Our president’s vision is that we don’t remain limited to three countries,” Fidan said, adding that Egypt could join once certain technical issues are resolved.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt have also formed the R4 group to coordinate on regional issues, including the war involving Iran.

Fidan separately said Turkey should participate in an international coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthis, arguing that maritime security directly concerns Ankara’s interests.

- Ends