Ankara, Aug 16 (Alliance News): Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Egypt could join the Mecca Agreement in the future, stressing that the agreement remains open to the participation of additional countries and its scope could be expanded.
Speaking to Arab media, Erdogan confirmed that discussions about Egypt’s possible inclusion in the agreement were possible.
He said the objective of the agreement was for participating countries to stand together and respond collectively when necessary.
Under the agreement, member states would be expected to support one another if any participating country comes under external attack and take collective measures for its defence and response.
The Mecca Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye is being viewed as an important development in strengthening defence cooperation among the three countries.
The possible inclusion of additional countries could eventually expand the arrangement into a broader regional partnership.
Erdogan also commented on Türkiye’s relationship with the European Union, saying that the EU was not Türkiye’s priority. He criticised the current situation in Europe and said the continent was facing failure.
The Turkish president also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the importance of reopening the strategic waterway.
He said keeping the Strait closed for an extended period would not serve anyone’s interests.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime route for global trade and energy supplies, carrying large quantities of crude oil and other energy products to international markets.
A prolonged closure or disruption could therefore affect global energy markets and international trade.
Erdogan’s remarks come as tensions remain high in the Middle East and the security of the Strait of Hormuz continues to draw international attention.
He stressed that keeping the waterway open would serve the interests of both the region and the global economy.
Egypt’s potential participation could increase the number of countries involved in the Mecca Agreement and strengthen its collective defence capacity.
However, formal Egyptian participation would require further diplomatic consultations and government-level procedures.
