Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt & Pakistan Discuss New Security Pact

RIYADH – Talks in Riyadh on Thursday brought together the foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan to explore increased cooperation, a move signaling a potential shift in regional dynamics. The discussions, held on the sidelines of a summit of Islamic countries, mark the first time the four nations have formally discussed combining their collective strengths.

Turkey has been actively pursuing a security agreement with both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia since last year, with a Pakistani minister stating earlier this year that such a deal had been under consideration for nearly a year.

Sources familiar with the matter in Turkey have indicated that Ankara has also been working to include Egypt in the prospective arrangement. The potential agreement, according to those sources, would not replicate the commitments of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), but instead would establish a platform for enhanced collaboration in the defense industry and broader security matters.

“We are exploring how, as countries with a certain degree of influence in the region, One can combine our strengths to solve problems,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The development underscores a growing desire for regional self-reliance in addressing complex security challenges.

Fidan emphasized the importance of regional ownership, stating, “Above all, we have for some time been saying that the countries of the region should reach together, hold discussions and develop ideas. We emphasise regional ownership.” He added that the ministers discussed the current regional situation, including the conflict between the U.S. And Israel and Iran’s subsequent counterattacks in the Gulf, and considered how joint efforts could address these challenges.

“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,” Fidan said.