Saudi Arabia opposed Egypt's inclusion in Mecca agreement, sources say
Saudi Arabia opposed Egypt's inclusion in Mecca agreement, sources say Saudi Arabia opposed Egypt joining the security pact signed with Turkey and Pakistan last week, despite Ankara's push for Cairo to be included, three Saudi sources familiar with the discussions told Middle East Eye. One of the sources, a former senior adviser to the Saudi monarchy, said Riyadh did not want Egypt to join the…
Saudi Arabia refused to allow Egypt to join the Mecca security pact signed with Turkey and Pakistan, according to sources. The decision, despite Ankara's efforts to include Cairo, comes as Riyadh grows frustrated with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's government. The Saudi position is based on the belief that Egypt no longer provides the strategic or military value it once did.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed in the Muslim city of Mecca, commits the three countries to treat an armed attack against one as an attack against all. The Saudi decision to exclude Egypt was driven by simmering tensions between Riyadh and Cairo, reflecting doubts about Egypt's strategic value.
Written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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