Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is holding talks in Cairo today and tomorrow, as discussion opens more openly in Ankara over Egypt's potential participation in a new defence cooperation framework between Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, referred to as the "Mecca Agreement."
Visit seen as key step for Ankara-Cairo relations
According to the Turkish newspaper Türkiye, the visit is considered critical for the next step in Ankara-Cairo relations, with the Turkish publication arguing that diplomatic groundwork is being strengthened for Egypt's inclusion in the new regional security structure.
Meetings planned with Egyptian counterpart and Sisi
Fidan is expected to meet his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, as part of the Joint Planning Group, and is also due to be received by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The agenda includes bilateral relations, regional security, and areas in which Ankara and Cairo could cooperate further.
'Mecca Alliance' central to Turkish coverage
The Turkish newspaper places particular emphasis on the "Mecca Alliance." Fidan has previously described Egypt as a "natural partner" of Turkey and has said he believes Egypt could join the alliance at a later stage, provided certain technical issues are resolved.
Ankara also notes that Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are already part of the same diplomatic grouping through the R4 (Regional Four). According to Türkiye, Egypt's potential participation would extend the new "security line" toward North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
Gaza, Syria, Libya, Sudan and trade also on agenda
The talks are also expected to cover Gaza, Syria, Libya and Sudan, with a significant part of the discussions focused on economic cooperation. The two countries aim to raise bilateral trade to $15 billion, while Turkish investment in Egypt has already surpassed $4 billion, according to the report.
