Ankara, Turkey – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that his country expects Egypt to join the joint defense agreement signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan in Mecca on Friday. In an interview with Anadolu Agency on Saturday evening, Fidan stated that Egypt is a “natural partner” for Turkey on various issues. Moreover, he expressed his belief that Egypt will become part of the alliance in the near future.
The Turkish Foreign Minister added that there are “some technical issues” that need to be resolved before Cairo can join. He affirmed that once these are finalized, “there is nothing preventing Egypt from being part of this alliance as well.” Additionally, Fidan indicated that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s vision is for the agreement not to be limited to the three countries. He explained that efforts should be made to expand it to include other countries in the region. Furthermore, he stated that the alliance “should not remain confined to three countries.”
Other countries are showing interest in joining.
Fidan revealed that other countries had expressed interest in joining the agreement, without naming them. He also stressed the importance of enhancing the region’s ability to manage its own security affairs. He stated that dominant external powers “do not contribute to solving the region’s problems, but rather exacerbate them,” according to the Anadolu Agency. He explained that the defense agreement took more than two years to prepare. In addition, it is based on the principle that “any country that does not attack us will not be a target for us.”
Türkiye: The agreement does not conflict with NATO membership.
Fidan emphasized that the agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan is not primarily intended to send a message to external parties. Instead, he explained, its aim is to “bring lasting stability” to the Middle East. He stressed that the agreement does not conflict with Turkey’s obligations as a NATO member. Furthermore, he pointed out that the United States has also concluded similar defense agreements with non-NATO countries, including Israel. The agreement, signed in Mecca, unites the three countries within a framework of joint defense. It includes the principle that an attack on one member state is considered an attack on all three. This move comes amidst ongoing tensions and military conflicts in the Middle East.
