Saudi Arabia Opposed Egypt Joining Mecca Defence Pact, Sources Say

Saudi Arabia opposed Egypt’s inclusion in the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Turkey and Pakistan, despite Turkey pushing for Cairo to join the pact, according to three Saudi sources familiar with the discussions.

One former senior adviser to the Saudi monarchy said Riyadh did not want Egypt to join “at least for now.” The sources attributed the decision to growing frustration with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s government and concerns that Egypt no longer provides the strategic and military value it once did.

Signed in Mecca on August 7, the agreement commits Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan to treating an armed attack against one member as an attack against all. Saudi officials have described it as a framework for strengthening joint defence capabilities, although it provides limited detail on how military assistance would be activated during a crisis.

The sources said Riyadh’s position reflects worsening tensions with Cairo. Saudi Arabia was a major financial supporter of Sisi’s government after his 2013 seizure of power, reportedly providing around $25 billion, but Riyadh has increasingly expressed frustration over what it sees as insufficient Egyptian support on key security issues.