Erdogan says Egypt could join Makkah Defense Pact, vows not to abandon Syria, Gaza
Makkah Defense Pact Opens Its Door to Egypt.. Erdogan Awaits Fate of F-35 Fighter Jets
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed that Egypt’s accession to the Makkah Defense Pact, signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, is “possible,” noting that the agreement allows other countries to join in the future. He also vowed not to leave Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon alone.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera’s “The Interview” program, Erdoğan stated that the pact stipulates that signatory states take unified steps if any of them is subjected to external military action, considering that it sent “an important message to the world.”
He explained that the agreement is not closed to other countries, allowing for its expansion in the future, in reference to the possibility of Egypt joining.
Strait of Hormuz a Turkish Priority
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Erdoğan said Turkey prioritizes its reopening, stressing that the continued closure of the maritime corridor “serves no party’s interest.”
He also praised Qatar’s role in mediation efforts aimed at ending the war in the region, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic action to de-escalate tensions.
Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon.. Will Not Be Left Alone
On the Syrian file and Gaza, Erdoğan affirmed that Turkey will not leave Damascus and Gaza alone, noting that Turkey will do everything in its power to support their stability, and revealed that he will visit Syria in the coming period.
He said that Syrian Kurds will have their share of peace and stability, stressing that Ankara will continue to strengthen its relations with Kurds and protect their rights in various countries of the region.
Regarding Gaza, Erdoğan affirmed his country’s readiness to provide support, adding that Hamas is honoring its commitments, while Israel continues the war, according to his description.
Concerning Lebanon, the Turkish president expressed his country’s concern over the continuation of Israeli attacks, stating that he discussed with US President Donald Trump, during his recent visit to Turkey, the need to end the war on Lebanon, stressing the importance of the US role in ending the fighting.
📌 BREAKING | Erdoğan to Al Jazeera:
🔴 We will continue to strengthen our relations with Kurds and protect their rights in various countries of the region🔴 Syrian Kurds will have their share of peace and stability pic.twitter.com/dzoxfh6xmP
— Al Jazeera Mubasher (@ajmubasher) August 15, 2026
Support for Sudan and Libya
Erdoğan affirmed continued Turkish support for Sudan, describing his country’s relations with Sudanese Sovereignty Council President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan as good.
He also said that Turkish relations with Libya are stable.
EU Membership Not a Priority.. Ankara Awaits Trump’s Commitment
Regarding relations with Brussels, Erdoğan said Europe does not seem willing to accept Turkey’s EU accession, affirming that his country’s membership in the European Union is not a priority for Ankara, adding that Europe would be the loser if Turkey does not join.
On the military relations front with the United States, Erdoğan said he received a promise from US President Donald Trump regarding F-35 fighter jets, affirming that he is waiting for this promise to be fulfilled.
At a time when Erdoğan proposes Egypt’s accession to the Makkah Defense Pact, prioritizes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and pledges not to leave Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon, these files remain contingent on forthcoming diplomatic and military developments, according to the Turkish president’s statements.
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