Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan Explore Security Pact

The foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan convened in Riyadh on Thursday, during a summit of Islamic countries, to discuss the formation of a security pact aimed at enhancing regional cooperation. This initiative marks the first time these nations have sought to combine their strengths in a formalized manner. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan indicated that Turkey has been pursuing this security arrangement since last year, with discussions about the pact reportedly ongoing for nearly a year.

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The proposed security pact is designed to facilitate collaboration in defense matters and the defense industry, differing from NATO's structure in that it does not intend to establish formal guarantees or commitments. Fidan emphasized the importance of regional ownership, stating, "We need to learn to trust one another. We need to act together on certain issues." The discussions also addressed broader regional challenges, including the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran and Tehran's retaliatory actions against Gulf nations.

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Each participating country brings significant military capabilities to the table. Turkey has heavily invested in its defense industry, focusing on the domestic production of advanced drones, missiles, and jets. Pakistan, possessing nuclear warheads, adds a critical dimension to the security landscape, while Saudi Arabia is emerging as a hub for advanced technologies. Egypt, the most populous Arab nation, is recognized for its military strength and serves as a foundational pillar in the region. Notably, Turkey and Egypt recently signed a bilateral military agreement to deepen their security cooperation, which included a $350 million arms export deal.

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While the joint statement from the Riyadh meeting criticized Iran for its aggressive actions, it briefly mentioned Israel's "expansionist" policies in Lebanon. This reflects a nuanced approach, as Turkey has previously labeled Israel as a primary instigator in the regional conflicts. Fidan's remarks highlight the necessity for these nations to collaboratively address their security concerns, suggesting that failure to do so could lead to external powers imposing solutions that do not align with regional interests.

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The discussions in Riyadh represent a significant step towards a more unified regional security framework among Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan. As these nations continue to explore the potential of their collective military capabilities, the outcomes of this initiative could reshape the security dynamics in the Middle East. Future meetings and agreements are anticipated as they work towards formalizing this security pact.

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• “We are exploring how, as countries with a certain degree of influence in the region, we can combine our strengths to solve problems,” — Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister

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• “In principle, we need to recognise this: either we come together and learn to solve our own problems ourselves, or an external hegemon will come and either impose solutions that serve its own interests, or do nothing while preventing others from acting,” — Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister

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• “We need to learn to trust one another. We need to act together on certain issues. We need to be able to adopt a common stance,” — Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister

Middle East Eye