Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a groundbreaking agreement with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, establishing a joint defense pact that could significantly reshape regional dynamics. The agreement, dubbed the ‘Mecca Pact,’ commits signatories to unified steps should any one nation face external threats, marking a significant step in bolstering regional security. Speaking to Al Jazeera in an exclusive interview for Al Muqabala (The Interview), which will air on Sunday evening on Al Jazeera Arabic, Erdogan stated that the pact represents a ‘possible’ framework for future expansion and underscores the commitment to collective defense. He emphasized that the agreement has served as a crucial message to the world, highlighting Egypt’s potential participation in a future joint defense initiative, a move previously considered within the options for its strategic expansion. The deal, formally known as the ‘Mecca Pact,’ was signed in the holy city last Friday by Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. The agreement stipulates that an armed attack against any one of the three would be considered an attack against them all, mirroring the principles of the NATO Article 5 collective-deterrence provision. However, officials in Islamabad have cautioned against interpreting the pact as a direct NATO equivalent or as a targeted approach at a single nation, acknowledging its broader implications for the region. Erdogan addressed a range of pressing issues, including escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing conflicts in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon. He emphasized Turkey’s commitment to supporting stability in Syria, particularly through its efforts to visit the country and to secure a ‘share of peace and stability’ for the Kurds, further strengthening ties with Kurdish communities across the region. Regarding Gaza, Erdogan stated that Turkey ‘cannot leave Gaza alone’ and would undertake all necessary measures to support its survival. He also underscored that Hamas’ commitments to their obligations are being monitored, while Israel continues its military operations. Turning to Lebanon, Erdogan cautioned against continued Israeli attacks, highlighting concerns about the ongoing war and the need for an end to the conflict. He specifically raised the need for the US president to address the situation with the Israeli government, stressing the crucial role of the US in bringing the conflict to a resolution. Erdogan pledged that Turkey would continue to support Sudan, citing his plans to visit the country and to ensure the ‘head of its Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’, has a “share of peace and stability”. He also underscored his continued relationship with the Kurdish communities in Libya, stating that Turkey’s relations with the head of its Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, are ‘good’ and that Ankara would not abandon it. Concerning Europe, Erdogan said the European Union’s lack of willingness to acknowledge Turkey was a significant concern for Ankara, noting that membership was no longer a priority and that Europe would be ‘the loser’ as a result. He received a promise from Trump regarding F-35 fighter jets and stated that Turkey would be waiting for the fulfillment of that promise. The agreement’s implications for the F-35 program are complex, as the US administration had previously removed Turkey from the program in 2019 following the acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, which Washington argued could compromise the stealth technology. Trump’s recent visit to Turkey last month resulted in a discussion of lifting the CAATSA sanctions imposed on Turkey over the F-35 purchase, with a potential return to the program being considered by the administration. Erdogan said Turkiye would continue to support Sudan and described his relations with the head of its Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, as ‘good’. He also said he had received a promise from Trump regarding F-35 fighter jets and was waiting for it to be honored. The agreement’s future remains uncertain, facing resistance in Congress and a 2020 law that bars the Pentagon from transferring F-35s to Turkey for as long as it retains the S-400 system, suggesting potential challenges to its implementation.
Watch Related Video
Source: Al Jazeera
