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 Al Jazeera, 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 told Al Jazeera’s Ali Al Dafiri during an interview for the programme Al Muqabala.
While the collective defence clause has prompted comparisons with NATO’s Article 5, Pakistani officials have cautioned against describing the agreement as a regional equivalent of the Western military alliance. Islamabad has also said the pact is not aimed at any particular country. 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. On Syria, Erdogan said Turkiye would continue to support efforts to restore stability and would not abandon its neighbours during a period of regional turmoil.
He said he planned to visit Syria and stressed that the country’s Kurdish population should share in any future peace and stability. According to Erdogan, Turkiye would continue strengthening its relations with Kurdish communities and supporting their rights across the region.
Turning to Gaza, he said Ankara could not leave Palestinians in the territory to face the conflict alone.“Turkiye cannot leave Gaza alone,” Erdogan said, adding that his government would continue to provide political and humanitarian support.
He said Hamas was acting in good faith and meeting its commitments, while accusing Israel of continuing its military campaign.
