The revolution and pacts (39). Ring of bilateral pacts (ii). Egypto-Syrian pact considered. There is ample evidence for several forms of contact between Egypt and Belad el-Sham (Syria: the geopolitical name of what is today Syria, Lebanon and Palestine). These go as far back as the Middle Kingdom (about 2025-1700 BC). From ancient times, geopolitics have inevitably shaped Egypt's foreign policy due to the fact that Egypt occupies a strategic position as a land bridge between principal waterways, the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. It had always been a must for Egypt to be strong enough top dominate its environment or risk becoming the victim of outside powers. The land bridge to Asia (via Sinai), route of potential conquerors had also to be secured. Egyptian rulers traditionally sought to project their power into Syria and Arabia. Often in contest with other powers in Anatolia (present-day Turkey), or the Euphrates River valley (present-day Iraq). This had occurred several times across the successive ages, such as in the times of the Pharoes, later during the Cruases, on to the French Expedition on Egypt and more recently during the Mohamed Ali era. In contemporary times, Israel, generally backed by Western, particularly American, powers had been located partly on Egypt's eastern borders thus blocking its access to the East. This has always been perceived as the greatest threat to Egyptian security and hence prosperity and progress. 31/3/1955 Banner headline: Vital Syro-Egyptian Talks begin in Cairo El-Azm's visit to Baghdad reviewed at first meeting Egypt and Syria Approve Final Draft of Military Pact Aid to be exchanged in event of aggression The Gazette report said: “The final draft of the provisions of the proposed military pact between Syria and Egypt was agreed upon at a meeting last night between the two sies. The Syrian side consisted of Sayed Said el-Ghazzy, Prime Minister Sayyed Rasheed Bremoda, Minister of Defence, and Brigadier Shawkat Shukeir, Chief of Staff of the Syrian Army. Brigadier Mahmoud Riad, Egyptian Ambassador to Syria, represented his country. “Following the meeting, a republican decree was issued instructing Sayed Bremoda to sign the agreement on behalf of the Syrian government. Brigadier Riad will sign on behalf of Egypt. “Sayed el-Ghazzy said here today that the agreement would be signed at the earliest possible moment. The Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee has been called for an emergency meeting to hear a statem,ent from Premier el-Ghazzy concerning the discussions which took place recently in Cairo between himself and Premier Gamal Abdul Nasser, matters considered by the Arab Foreign Ministers Conference and full details about the proposed military agreement between Syria and Egypt. “The Arab News Agency (ANA) learned today from well-informed sources that the agreement would be in the shape of a treaty under which the two sides pledge to exchange military aid as quickly as possible in the event of any aggression against either country. “The proposed treaty provides for a joint command between the two countries in time of war or peace for the organisation of their military power and for the establishment of a joint fund to finance military plans. Egypt will contribute 65 per cent and Syria 35 per cent of the fund. “Under the agreement, a supreme Defence Ministry will be formed. According to information received by ANA from well-informed sources here, all parties and parliamentary blocs in Syria have supported the conclusion of the agreement. Damascus newspapers today welcomed the agreement as ‘a great victory for Egypt and Syria' and a ‘turning point in the development of the security of the Arab world.'” “Premier el-Ghazzy today visited the Republican Palace and informed President Shukry el-Kuwatly of the details of the final draft agreement. Brigadier Riad stated today that the agreement would be signed soon. Its main object was to concentrate the defences of the two countries against any possible aggression, he added. “President Shukry el-Kuwatly told Tom Little, General Manager of ANA, in a special interview tonight there was nothing in the proposed military pact between Egypt and Syria which would perturb relations between Arab League member-states. Expressing the hope that the improvement in Arab relations, as reflected during the recent Arab League meetings in Cairo, would increase, the president said that Syria's policy was aimed at achieving the highest possible degree of cooperation and unity between the Arab League member-states, ‘for unity is the only safeguard of peace and safety'. “…… Premier Abdul Nasser is not a man who works in secret; his policy is clear and he takes pains to expound it, the Syrian president said. [email protected]