Pakistan has no objections to the possible accession of Iran and Egypt to the joint defense alliance known as the ‘Muslim NATO,’ Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Tirmizi Faisal Niaz, stated in an interview with the Lebanese TV channel Al Mayadeen.
The tripartite defense agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey was officially signed on August 7. A key provision of the document provides for the principle of collective security: a military attack on any of the alliance members is treated as aggression against all participant states.
The signing of the Mecca Agreement triggered a sharp reaction in Tehran. Iranian authorities viewed the creation of the alliance as a step directed against Iran, while the country’s state media viewed the pact as a ‘direct threat’ to the security of Iran and its regional allies.
In turn, representatives of the alliance’s founding states reject accusations of aggressive intent. Previously, the Turkish Foreign Minister emphasized that the agreement is purely defensive in nature, is not directed against Tehran, and remains open for Egypt to join the alliance.
Despite statements by the bloc’s members regarding the possibility of expansion, Egypt declined the invitation to join the defense alliance. Meanwhile, the agreement has not yet been activated in practice. In particular, the alliance was not used to repel strikes launched by Yemeni Houthis on Saudi territory.
Source: newsru.co.il
