DOHA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Egypt could become the next country to join a newly established mutual defence pact between Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
In an interview with a TV channel on Sunday, Erdogan described Cairo’s possible accession as one of several options being considered as the alliance looks to expand its membership. The agreement, formally known as the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, was signed in the Saudi holy city last Friday by Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Under the pact, an armed attack against any one of the three signatory states would be treated as an attack against all of them, committing the countries to a coordinated response in the event of an external threat.
“This agreement has sent an important message to the world,” Erdogan said in the interview. Erdogan said the agreement remained open to additional members and indicated that Egypt’s participation was possible.
His comments come as regional governments seek to deepen security cooperation amid continuing wars and political instability across the Middle East. During the interview, the Turkish president also addressed tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.
Erdogan said reopening the Strait of Hormuz was a priority for Ankara, arguing that the continued disruption of the strategic waterway was damaging to all sides. The strait is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, linking Gulf oil and gas producers with international markets.
He also praised Qatar’s role in regional mediation efforts, saying Doha had contributed significantly to attempts to reduce tensions and bring an end to ongoing fighting.
Read also: Pakistan playing admirable role in peace efforts, says Trump
