Saudi Arabia blocks Egypt from Mecca defense pact over trust concerns

Saudi Arabia opposed including Egypt in the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Turkey and Pakistan, citing tensions with Cairo and concerns that Egypt no longer offers the strategic value or reliable support Riyadh seeks. Turkish pressure to include Cairo clashed with Riyadh’s view that Cairo is more dependent on external powers and less capable militarily, while Turkey and Pakistan were seen as stronger partners. The pact remains open to Egypt in the future, but for now Cairo stays outside the alliance amid broader regional frictions and questions about Egypt’s loyalty and contribution to a new security framework.