Erdogan Wants Turkey-Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Defence Pact to Draw More Countries

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s announcement this week that he hopes more countries will join the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan has sparked renewed interest in the Middle East’s complex security landscape.

The agreement comes at a critical time, with the ongoing US-Iran standoff casting a long shadow over regional politics. The dispute has disrupted shipping through strategic waterways, further fueling concerns about oil supplies. Erdogan’s call for expansion is not surprising, given Turkey’s long-standing policy of expanding its regional influence.

Turkey’s defence pact with key Arab states like Saudi Arabia is a natural extension of this policy. By signing up to such an agreement, Turkey aims to consolidate its position as a major player in Middle Eastern affairs. The Turkish leader’s comments about Egypt joining the pact “in the next stage” are also significant, as Cairo has long been wary of regional security pacts.

Egypt’s reluctance to join the new alliance is likely driven by concerns about Turkey’s military ambitions, particularly its involvement in Syria and Libya. Fidan’s statement that only “a few technical issues” stand in the way of Egyptian accession suggests a level of confidence that Egypt will eventually come on board.

However, Cairo has been notably absent from previous regional security initiatives, preferring to maintain its independence in matters of defence and foreign policy. The implications of Erdogan’s defence pledge extend beyond the Middle East, with echoes of earlier attempts at regional integration, such as the Arab League’s efforts to create a unified force against Islamist extremism.

These initiatives have often foundered on rivalries between key states and competing visions for regional order. One thing is clear: Erdogan’s vision of a defence pact “for all countries of the region” faces significant hurdles before it can become a reality. For now, his pledge remains an attractive prospect – but also a reminder that regional stability will not be easily achieved in the face of entrenched rivalries and competing interests.

Fidan’s visit to Cairo this week provides a crucial opportunity for Turkey to reassure its Egyptian allies about the benefits of membership. The fate of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement will likely depend on Egypt’s eventual decision to join or reject the pact. Ultimately, Erdogan’s defence pledge offers a rare glimmer of hope for regional stability in a region wracked by conflict and tension. However, it remains a fragile prospect – one that will require careful diplomacy and compromise to become a reality.