Egypt: We are considering joining the Mecca Agreement for Joint Defense among Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on Thursday that Egyptian state institutions are conducting “in-depth studies” on the Mecca Agreement for Joint Defense among Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, in preparation for making a decision on it. Abdelatty, during a press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in the city of Alamein, explained that Egypt is engaged within a quadrilateral framework with the three countries and enjoys distinguished relations with them, emphasizing Cairo’s commitment to strengthening these ties. He added that defense agreements that entail obligations require thorough study in light of the Egyptian Constitution and legal commitments, noting that Cairo had been aware of the agreement from the outset and that it is currently undergoing review within state institutions. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed the Joint Defense Agreement on Friday, while Fidan had previously suggested the possibility of Egypt joining it.