Saudi Arabia opposed Egypt joining Mecca defense pact, sources say

Saudi Arabia has opposed Egypt's inclusion in the recently signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Turkey and Pakistan, according to three sources familiar with the discussions. Despite Turkey's efforts to include Cairo, Riyadh reportedly blocked Egypt's participation due to growing frustration with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's government and a belief that Egypt no longer offers significant strategic or military value.

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed last week, commits Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan to mutual defense. Sources indicated that Saudi Arabia, a major financial backer of Sisi's government, felt a lack of reciprocal support on key security issues. Specific concerns included Egypt's perceived unreliable role in the Yemen conflict and its stance during tensions with Iran, as well as Cairo's close alignment with the United Arab Emirates.

While Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan suggested Egypt was a "natural partner" and Ankara had formally proposed its inclusion, Saudi sources disputed claims that Egypt itself had rejected the pact. They suggested that Egypt would have been eager to join for financial benefits. The sources also argued that Turkey and Pakistan offered greater military contributions to the alliance, citing Turkey's defense industry and Pakistan's military strength, in contrast to Egypt's military manufacturing capacity, which they described as focused on civilian production.

This assessment of Egypt's diminishing role comes amid broader regional observations of Cairo being sidelined as a mediator and military power. Saudi sources contrasted their relationship with Turkey and Pakistan, described as more reliable, with their view of Egypt as increasingly dependent on Gulf support rather than a strategic partner.