Turkey Seeks Egypt's Inclusion in New Defense Pact While Cairo Pushes for Economic Gains
Turkey is actively courting Egypt to join a new defense agreement that already includes Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, aiming to establish a collective security pact where an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Ankara expressed its desire for Egypt to become an official partner in the pact, with Turkish official Fidan stating, "We hope Egypt will be our official partner." However, Cairo remains cautious and has not yet committed, emphasizing the need for thorough examination of the defense obligations before making a final decision. Egyptian official Abdel Ati confirmed that Egypt is fully coordinated with the three signatory countries and has been involved in discussions from the start.
Beyond security cooperation, Egypt is leveraging the warming ties with Turkey to boost investments, job creation, and trade expansion. Cairo aims to use its strategic geographic location to become a hub for Turkish companies operating in Africa and the Middle East. Egypt has proposed a package of measures to attract Turkish investments, including a "fast track" licensing mechanism and a joint working group to resolve bureaucratic and operational challenges faced by Turkish firms.
A key initiative under discussion is the establishment of a fully equipped Turkish industrial zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone, targeting sectors such as automotive, aluminum, heavy machinery, chemicals, textiles, and apparel. The goal is to transform Egypt into a production and export base for Turkish companies seeking easier access to African and Middle Eastern markets. Additionally, the two countries are negotiating the renewal of a Ro-Ro shipping line between their ports to facilitate faster transport of goods, especially perishable products.
Economic talks concluded with the signing of agreements on rules of origin under the free trade agreement and a protocol for a joint planning group. Egypt also joined a memorandum of understanding on logistical connectivity between Turkey's transport ministry and several African countries, potentially enhancing Cairo's role as a key commercial gateway to the continent.
The discussions also covered regional crises, including efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East and promote political solutions. Both sides supported de-escalation in Gaza and the West Bank, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and uninterrupted humanitarian aid. Sudan and Libya were also focal points, with Egypt insisting on Sudanese ownership of any resolution and both Egypt and Turkey backing a political process in Libya leading to presidential and parliamentary elections.
While Turkey seeks to integrate Egypt into its new defense bloc, Egypt aims to convert this rapprochement into substantial economic benefits, turning Turkish overtures into long-term investments, industrial projects, and expanded trade.
