Egypt considering legal issues around joining latest regional defence pact

Egypt is contemplating the legal and constitutional implications of potentially joining a recent defence pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty highlighted the importance of thoroughly examining these issues before making a decision. The "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement" stipulates that an armed attack against any of the three nations would be considered an attack on all.

This agreement was signed during a period of heightened regional tensions, with Iran's actions in the Gulf and Yemen posing significant challenges to stability. Egypt maintains close ties with all three signatories and has shown interest in joining a Saudi-led alliance aimed at protecting shipping in the Red Sea. The country is already part of an informal forum for coordinating foreign policy with these nations and has strong military and economic relationships with them.

Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan expressed hope that Egypt would eventually be included in the pact, once certain technical matters are addressed. Abdelatty's remarks, made during a news conference in Alamein, marked the first official statement from Egypt regarding its stance on the Makkah accord.