Erdogan Seeks to Expand Turkey-Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans to expand a defense pact that currently includes Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, with Egypt likely to be the next country added. Speaking to Al-Sharq al-Awsat, Erdogan expressed that the goal is to grow the agreement beyond these three nations, suggesting that one day, all regional countries might unite under it. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan indicated that Egypt is anticipated to be involved in the next phase and is scheduled to visit Cairo soon. Although Egypt maintains strong military relations with Turkey, it has not yet officially reacted to the agreement or Fidan's statements. The pact includes a NATO-style mutual defense clause, which could significantly alter Middle Eastern security dynamics.
Key facts
- Turkish President Erdogan wants to expand the Turkey-Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact to include more countries.
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Istanbul expects Egypt to join the pact 'in the next stage'.
- Erdogan's comments were made in an interview with the London-based Al-Sharq al-Awsat daily.
- Fidan will visit Cairo on Thursday and Friday.
- Egypt has not commented on the agreement or Fidan's remarks.
- Cairo has robust military cooperation with Ankara but has not indicated intent to join the pact.
- The pact includes a Nato-style clause: an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
Entities
Institutions
- Al-Sharq al-Awsat
Locations
- Turkey
- Saudi Arabia
- Pakistan
- Egypt
- Istanbul
- Cairo
- London