Erdogan: Mecca defense pact based on collective deterrence, open to regional partners

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has affirmed that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, is founded on the principle of collective deterrence. He said the pact aims to strengthen security and defense cooperation, develop joint projects in the defense industry, and combat terrorism.

In a post on X, Erdogan stated that the agreement, signed with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Mecca, does not target any specific country. He added that it is open to all brotherly nations seeking peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.

Erdogan explained that the agreement is based on collective deterrence and will enhance security and defense cooperation among the three countries, in addition to developing joint defense industry projects and intensifying efforts to combat terrorism.

He added that the agreement also affirms the right to self-defense as stipulated in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

Erdogan stressed that the agreement does not target any particular country, reiterating that it is open to the participation of brotherly states seeking to support peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.

The Turkish president emphasized that his country will continue to uphold its approach of resolving disputes and crises through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with international law and its vision for regional sovereignty.

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He noted that during his visit to Mecca, which came at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he held a meeting with the crown prince and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, culminating in the signing of the joint defense agreement.

Erdogan concluded his post by expressing hope that the visit, consultations, and agreement will bring benefit to the entire region.