Egypt could join Turkiye-Saudi-Pakistan defence pact, says Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has indicated that Egypt could join a joint defense agreement recently established by Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Describing Egypt's accession as "possible," Erdogan stated that the pact, known as the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, is open to new members.

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This agreement has sent an important message to the world.

The agreement, signed by Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, mandates that an armed attack against one signatory will be considered an attack against all. Analysts have drawn comparisons to NATO's Article 5, although Pakistani officials have cautioned against viewing it as a direct equivalent or as being aimed at any specific country.

Erdogan also addressed a range of pressing regional matters in an interview with Al Jazeera. He emphasized the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, stating its continued closure serves no one's interests and highlighting Qatar's role in mediation efforts. The Turkish leader pledged that Turkiye would not abandon its neighbors to regional instability, specifically mentioning Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon. He outlined plans to visit Syria to support stability and ensure Syrian Kurds have a "share of peace and stability," while also vowing to continue strengthening ties with Kurdish communities across the region.

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Turkiye would not leave its neighbours to face regional turmoil alone.

Regarding Gaza, Erdogan asserted that Turkiye "cannot leave Gaza alone" and would provide necessary support, noting that Hamas was fulfilling its commitments while Israel continued its military operations. He expressed serious concern over continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon and mentioned raising the issue with then-U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Turkiye. Erdogan also affirmed stable relations with Libya and good relations with Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan's Sovereignty Council, reiterating Ankara's support for Sudan.

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We cannot leave Gaza alone.