Cause of conflict with Saudi Arabia, Egypt remained outside the military agreement - Turkey sent a proposal, Riyadh blocked it

Saudi Arabia opposed Egypt's inclusion in the security agreement signed last week by Turkey and Pakistan, despite Ankara's efforts to include Cairo.

According to "Middle East Eye", Riyadh's stance is related to dissatisfaction with the government of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and the assessment that Egypt has lost part of its strategic and military importance.

The agreement stipulates that an armed attack on any of the three countries is considered an attack on all. Saudi Arabia has presented it as a mechanism for strengthening mutual defense, although it does not clearly define the manner of response or military assistance in the event of a crisis.

Tensions between Riyadh and Cairo are old. Saudi Arabia was one of Sisi's main financial backers after he took power in 2013, providing billions of dollars to the Egyptian economy.

However, Riyadh is increasingly dissatisfied with what it considers a lack of reciprocal support from Egypt on security issues, particularly in the fight against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Saudi discontent has also been heightened by Cairo's proximity to the United Arab Emirates. According to the Middle East Eye, Egypt has helped the Emirates with air defense systems and fighter jets, while Sisi has maintained frequent contacts with the Emirati president, Mohammed bin Zayed, during the conflict with Iran.

Turkey, on the other hand, has expressed a desire for Egypt to join in the future. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called Cairo a “natural partner” for Ankara, while Turkish officials said that considerable efforts had been made to include Egypt. However, the participating countries decided to proceed without it.

Saudi officials believe that Turkey and Pakistan can offer greater military capabilities, thanks to the Turkish defense industry and the powerful Pakistani army. However, the door for Egypt is not considered closed forever. Its membership could be considered in the future, if relations improve and Cairo proves to be a more reliable partner. /Telegraph/