Erdogan highlights role of Mecca Defense Alliance in regional stability

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emphasized that the Mecca Defense Alliance, signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, will play a key role in promoting peace and stability both regionally and internationally.

Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Tuesday, Erdogan said the alliance, based on regional ownership and collective deterrence, represents a significant addition to security in the region and the world.

A joint statement from the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Mecca Agreement, issued on Monday, said the three countries would strengthen their defense cooperation through joint activities, developing defense industries, production, and advanced technologies, with the aim of increasing the cohesion of their armed forces.

Commitment to regional stability reaffirmed

The final statement from the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Mecca Agreement, held in Istanbul, reaffirmed the commitment of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan to work together for lasting peace and stability in the region.

The three countries also stressed the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts and restraint, encouraging peaceful solutions to crises in line with their regional responsibilities.

Joint defense pact and its principles

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan signed the joint defense agreement in Mecca on August 7.

The agreement aims to boost defense cooperation and a shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability, based on burden-sharing and a common understanding of security. It stipulates collective deterrence, considering any armed attack against one of the three countries as an attack against all parties.