CAIRO — Egypt and Pakistan on Friday discussed regional security developments and ways to strengthen defence cooperation, as Cairo expands consultations with key regional powers to help reduce tensions and improve security coordination.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a telephone conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, focusing on bilateral security and defence cooperation.
According to Egypt’s State Information Service, the two ministers agreed to maintain close consultations, including through a quadrilateral mechanism involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan aimed at supporting regional security and stability.
They also discussed recent developments across the region and diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and restore stability.
The call followed Abdelatty’s meeting in El-Alamein with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, where regional security issues were also discussed.
The talks come as Egypt considers whether to join the Makkah Mutual Defence Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan.
Fidan has encouraged Egypt to join the agreement, while Abdelatty has said Cairo must first examine its legal and constitutional implications before making a decision.
Egypt and Pakistan did not officially link their latest defence discussions to the Makkah agreement.
The four countries have increasingly used the quadrilateral consultation format to discuss regional political and security challenges and explore areas of cooperation.
Abdelatty and Dar agreed to continue their coordination and consultations in the coming period.
They also reviewed bilateral relations and opportunities to expand cooperation in politics, trade, investment and economic affairs.
The talks highlight Egypt’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic coordination with regional powers as the Middle East continues to face major security and political challenges.
