Turkiye says expects Egypt to join defence pact

ANKARA: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed confidence that Egypt would join a joint defense pact with regional allies aimed at stabilizing the war-torn Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed the agreement on Friday, amid the conflict between the United States and Iran, which has involved nearby countries and caused disruptions to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

The ongoing war has empowered Iran and its Houthi allies in Yemen, both of which have targeted Saudi Arabia, and a drone attack on US assets in Egypt's Mediterranean port last month. Fidan, during an interview with state news agency Anadolu, said Egypt would likely become a member of the "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement," referring to the country as a "natural partner on all issues."

He added that there were minor technicalities to address before Egypt's inclusion. Fidan emphasized the pact does not single out any specific nation, stating there is no written common threat. He further noted that the agreement's primary goal is to foster enduring stability in the region and hinted at its potential expansion beyond the initial three signatories.

Fidan suggested that under the current leadership's vision, the alliance should ideally encompass all countries, not just the three founding members.