The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement was the surprise alliance of the week in a region embroiled in turmoil. Although negotiations were underway for some time to build the pact among Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, it was only after its signing that the details fully surfaced.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who was present during the signing of the deal in the Saudi city where Islam was born, explained it in detail in a lengthy interview and reassured that it was a “defense deal,” not a means to attack any specific country. Fidan also signaled that Egypt might join the trio in the near future.
The agreement embodies the spirit of alliance among three countries that already enjoy close ties. One of its highlights is that it stipulates that an attack on one of the parties would be deemed an attack on all and, therefore, would require a joint response.
It came against the backdrop of the U.S.-Israel-Iran war, which has spread across the region, with Iran targeting other countries it views as supportive of the U.S. and disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
"I believe that at the next stage, Egypt will also be among us in the alliance. We already act toward one another as if we were alliance members," Fidan said in an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA) late Saturday. "There are a few technical issues. Once these are resolved, there is no reason for Egypt not to be part of it."
