Key facts
- Saudi Arabia opposed Egypt joining a defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan.
- This opposition stemmed from frustration with the Egyptian government.
- Turkish President Erdogan aims to expand the defense pact beyond Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
- Turkey anticipates Egypt's eventual inclusion in the pact.
- The pact is viewed as a potential challenge to the US-led regional order.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seeking to expand a defense pact that currently includes Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Turkey anticipates that Egypt may soon join this alliance, although Saudi Arabia has previously opposed Cairo's inclusion due to frustrations with its government.