Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan says Egypt could join the newly signed defence agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, suggesting the pact could eventually grow into a wider regional security framework.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Erdoğan said the agreement was not limited to its three founding members and that other countries could join if conditions allow.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement was signed last week 7 August by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. It includes a collective defence provision under which an attack against one member would be considered an attack against all three.
Türkiye’s Defence Ministry said the agreement would create political and military coordination mechanisms involving defence and foreign ministers as well as military chiefs. The pact is also expected to expand cooperation in defence industries, including joint exercises, production and technology sharing.
Previously, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had mentioned on 8 August that Türkiye expected Egypt to join the pact saying there were only "a few technical issues" that stood in the way.
Egyptian Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, said on Thursday (13 August) that Egypt was "engaging" in a regional defence pact announced last week between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
His comments came during a joint news conference held in Egypt's New Alamein city with his Turkish counterpart, Fidan.
The three Sunni Muslim U.S. allies said the accord stipulates that an armed attack against any member would be regarded as an attack on all, similar to NATO's Article 5 collective defence clause.
At a weekly briefing in Ankara, Turkish defence ministry said the pact's fundamental goal was to ensure defence and military ties were put on a "more institutional and sustainable" footing.
"They are currently evaluating it with certain details. But Egypt is our natural partner. God willing, it will soon become our official partner as well," Fidan said.
The agreement comes as countries across the region reassess security arrangements amid tensions linked to Iran, Gaza, Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz.
Erdoğan said the pact reflected a need for regional actors to take greater responsibility for security, arguing that regional issues should be addressed through regional cooperation.
He also said that Türkiye would continue supporting stability efforts and diplomatic initiatives in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon.
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