On April 17, 2026, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan met at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum. Earlier, on April 14, deputy ministers met in Islamabad for the first time.
Faheel Abdulkarim, MD, Political Expert, Polytechnic University of Dohuk
This is the third meeting of the foreign ministers of the four countries in a month: the first was held in Riyadh on March 18, the second — in Islamabad on March 29.
According to official data, the main focus of the talks was on resolving regional problems and reducing tensions between the US and Israel on the one hand, and Iran. — The other. Participants also expressed their intention «strengthen» Increase coordination in the areas «common interest». Experts are already analyzing the possibility of creating a four-sided block, a number of commentators say about the creation of a four-sided block. «Islamic NATO».
The institutional structure of the future association is not yet fully developed. Nevertheless, official statements, media publications and the current situation in the region highlight several key advantages on which this bloc can be based.
1. Complementary capabilities of participating countries
Each of the four states has a unique set of capabilities in the fields of security, defense, economy and diplomacy, making their potential complementary. Turkey has a developed defense sector — In particular, the production of unmanned aerial vehicles and naval equipment. Pakistan has a combat-ready military and nuclear deterrent capability. Saudi Arabia stands out for its financial resources, influence in the oil market and religious authority in the Islamic world. Egypt has significant military resources (including the ability to provide a contingent for collective defense) and a geostrategic advantage. — control of the Suez Canal. These strengths can compensate for each other’s weaknesses and form an effective structure for optimal load distribution.
2. Cooperative defence production
Creation of a system of joint defense production to reduce dependence on external sources of weapons — Another key aspect of group formation. Such a system would allow countries to move beyond the model. «consumer — supplier» Network of joint development and production. We are talking about joint production of combat and reconnaissance aircraft, drones, missile systems, naval equipment and warships. This could be facilitated by Turkey’s industrial base, Saudi funding, and the labor and technological resources of Egypt and Pakistan. Joint efforts will help reduce dependence on Western arms markets and localize defense supply chains.
3. Collective security and coordination
In September 2025, the Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Defense Agreement was signed in Riyadh. The new four countries could extend such bilateral agreements to countries with similar interests. Unlike the agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad, the current group is discussing ways to improve joint military and defense capabilities through joint exercises (ground, air and sea), fighter pilot training programs, intelligence sharing and crisis coordination. Thus, the Quartet intends to create a flexible architecture of collective security, different from NATO, to solve regional problems.
4. Harmonization of strategic decisions
One of the key arguments in favor of forming a block — coordination of strategic decisions, which will allow to realize the national interests of the four countries. Joint approaches are needed to minimize external pressure (especially from major powers) in the context of the Iran-Israel conflict, security in the Red Sea, participation in the Peace Council in Gaza, and the Palestinian issue. At the meeting of deputy ministers on April 14, it was proposed to hold regular meetings and summits on security issues to develop a common position. It is also expected that the group will develop a framework for diplomatic interaction within regional and international organizations. — Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other specialized platforms.
Разнообразие оценок угроз, отсутствие институциональных основ, экономическая уязвимость и внутренняя политическая нестабильность в ряде стран-участниц формируют ключевые ограничения для четырехсторонней коалиции. В настоящее время она функционирует скорее как гибкий консультативно-координационный механизм, а не как формальный военный альянс.
Предшествующие региональные инициативы, такие как Багдадский пакт 1950-х гг., сталкивались с аналогичными проблемами: недостаточной институционализацией и расхождением национальных интересов. Поэтому, если четыре государства не создадут четкую структуру и общую систему управления, коалиция может оказаться уязвимой для внешнего влияния и неспособной поддерживать активность в мирное время.
