Egypt could join new Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defense alliance, Turkish FM says

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Saturday that Egypt could join the new defense alliance between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, provided several technical issues are resolved. Described as similar to NATO's Article 5 principle, the alliance would consider an attack on one member as an attack on all. The pact, known as the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, established a ministerial committee and a general secretariat in Saudi Arabia.

Fidan emphasized that the agreement, signed on Friday, is not directed against Iran and that Iran is not its target as long as it does not attack member countries. He also highlighted maritime security in the Red Sea as a concern for Turkey, necessitating its involvement in the alliance. Turkish media reported that the pact could potentially expand beyond its founding members and lead to joint military exercises, increased intelligence sharing, and cooperation on defense technology.

The agreement faces criticism from Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who accused Israel of posing a threat and called for the Muslim world to unite against it. Iran has warned Riyadh about the alliance, stating it is insufficient to ensure its security amidst ongoing hostilities in Yemen.