Why Egypt held back from joining Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan's defence pact

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made an unannounced visit to Mecca on Friday to sign a security pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The three nations decided abruptly on Tuesday to hold the signing ceremony that Friday. Middle East Eye reports that Turkish officials deliberately kept the trip off Erdogan's official schedule, fearing that publicizing the plans would give unwanted powers an opportunity to disrupt the agreement.

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