and defense’ in February 1955 in the Iraqi capital. It was not an auspicious start. In the first place, Turkey was unpopular in the Arab world for having recognized Israel. Secondly, Egypt, which was considered by Britain as the key to a defense arrangement in the Middle East, denounced the Baghdad Pact. On receiving an invitation from Turkey and Iraq to join, Pakistan was not enthusiastic. Disappointed with the amount of US aid, Pakistan was no longer keen to undertake further military commitments in Middle East. In June, Ayub Khan was invited to Turkey. Prime Minister Nuri said of Iraq was also there. He and Adnan Manderes succeeded in convincing Ayub about the advantages of joining the pact. On 23 September 1955, Pakistan signed the Pact of Mutual Cooperation in Baghdad, in it the other regional members included Iran, Iraq and Turkey. Britian also joined it but the United States did not become a full member. The Baghdad Pact provided a good line of cooperation regarding the security and defense of the members. This line was adopted to counter the Russian policy of expansion southwards in the direction of the Caspian and the Black Sea, and into Central Asia (Sattar, 2007). On 15 July 1956, President Iskander Mirza visited Ankara (Turkey). Both leaders Pakistan and Turkey discussed various issues about economy and bilateral trade. After those meetings joint communique was issued regarding this visit that Pakistan and Turkey will exchange solemn assurance , Turkey would support Pakistan in the settlement of disputes with India and Afghanistan, and Pakistan would support Turkey over the Cyprus issue. (Ali, 2001)>