Key facts
- Saudi Arabia opposed Egypt joining a security pact signed with Turkey and Pakistan.
- The decision was driven by frustration with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's government.
- Sources believe Egypt no longer offers the strategic or military value it once did.
- The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement commits the three signatories to mutual defense.
- Simmering tensions between Riyadh and Cairo influenced Saudi Arabia's stance.
Saudi Arabia opposed Egypt's inclusion in a new security pact signed with Turkey and Pakistan last week, despite Ankara's push for Cairo to be included, three Saudi sources familiar with the discussions told Middle East Eye.
One source, a former senior adviser to the Saudi monarchy, stated that Riyadh did not want Egypt to join the agreement "at least for now." The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue, indicated that Saudi Arabia's position was driven by growing frustration with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's government and a belief that Egypt no longer offered the strategic or military value it once did.