Mecca Pact enters founding phase as Turkey says core structure forming

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has announced that the agreement reached in Mecca will be officially named the "Mecca Pact," emphasizing that the alliance is based on the principle of defense and is intended to complement NATO, as work begins on establishing its core structure.

Speaking at a press conference following the meeting of the strategic and defense committee of the Mecca Pact countries, Fidan described the agreement as a "historic step," stressing the need for regional countries to act together to promote peace.

He added, "We have taken practical steps to establish an operational security framework in the region," affirming that the participating countries "reiterated our responsibility to advance security and stability during today's meeting."

Fidan explained that other countries may join the Mecca Pact in accordance with its conditions, noting that work is underway on a roadmap for the accession of additional states.

He said, "The Mecca Pact is founded on the principle that other countries can join," while also stressing that "the Mecca Pact is not directed against any specific country."

In the same context, Fidan underlined that the three countries have taken steps to establish a practical security structure for the region, adding that "the three countries are working on a roadmap for other states to join the Mecca Pact."