Erdogan says Egypt could join Turkey-Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Al Jazeera that the recently signed defence agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is open to new members, as he pledged continued support for the pact. The comments fuelled speculation that Egypt could be next to join.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Al Jazeera in an interview that the defence pact signed last week between Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is open to new members. Erdogan said the agreement is designed to strengthen regional security and that Ankara's support for it would continue.
Erdogan's remarks fuelled speculation over whether Egypt might join the pact. Cairo has not yet issued an official comment, though regional analysts said Egyptian membership could extend the agreement's reach into North Africa.
The pact has stirred debate over the regional balance of power since it was signed. Some analysts say its expansion could reshape the map of alliances across the Middle East and South Asia.
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