- Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Egypt have also formed the R4 group to coordinate on regional issues, including the war involving Iran.
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Egypt could join a proposed defence pact between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia once certain technical issues are resolved.
- Fidan said the pact would be technically similar to NATO's Article 5, under which an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all.
- The agreement would include a committee of ministers and a general secretariat, similar to NATO's structure.
- Fidan also said Turkey must be involved in an international coalition to address security concerns surrounding Red Sea shipping, describing the issue as directly linked to Turkish interests.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan revealed that Egypt could potentially join a defense pact with Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, pending resolution of technical issues. This pact, signed as the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement”, pledges collective deterrence against aggression, akin to NATO's Article 5.235
Fidan explained that the agreement includes a ministerial committee and a general secretariat, mirroring NATO's structure. He emphasized that the pact is not directed against Iran or any specific nation, stating, “No country would be considered a threat unless it attacked one of the members.” The alliance aims to bolster security in the region, particularly concerning Red Sea shipping, which Fidan linked to Turkish interests.14
The three founding nations have been working on this agreement for over two years, with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan advocating for its expansion to include more regional countries. Fidan noted, “Our president’s vision is that we don’t remain limited to three countries.” The pact signifies a commitment to mutual support, with member countries consulting on the necessary assistance if one is attacked. The general secretariat will be based in Saudi Arabia, further solidifying the collaborative framework among these nations.
The formation of this alliance also coincides with the establishment of the R4 group, aimed at coordinating responses to regional issues, including conflicts involving Iran.
“Fidan said the pact would mirror NATO's Article 5, with a committee of ministers and a general secretariat. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Egypt have also formed the R4 group to coordinate on regional issues, including the war involving Iran.”
