Mecca: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday that with the new Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, member countries Trkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan took a step to send a signal to the Islamic world. Speaking at a special program with young people in the northern Turkish province of Samsun, Erdogan said that the pact, signed last month, is leading to 'positive developments.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan made the comments in response to a question about his long-standing call that 'the world is bigger than five,' referring to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, a body he has long criticized as unrepresentative and unfair. He reiterated his call for reform of the international system, saying Trkiye would continue to advocate for 'a fairer world.'

Pointing to developments in the Strait of Hormuz and elsewhere in the Gulf, Erdogan said the Islamic world is facing serious challenges. 'We are following what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz. And it is not only what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz; there are serious difficulties in many parts of the Gulf,' he said.

Erdogan emphasized that Trkiye is committed to overcoming the challenges facing the Islamic world. 'Trkiye says that we should overcome the difficulties facing the Islamic world as soon as possible. To overcome these, Trkiye has put its weight behind the region, is doing so, and will continue to do so,' he stated. The Turkish president also highlighted Trkiye's success in maintaining national safety amidst regional conflicts and crises.

Turning to the Ankara NATO summit this July, Erdogan mentioned that Trkiye presented visiting leaders with weapons produced by state-owned defense manufacturer the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE). 'We wanted to present them with Trkiye's own products,' he said, noting the leaders' satisfaction.

Erdogan also discussed preparations for the COP31 UN Climate Change Summit, which Trkiye is set to host in Antalya. He expressed hope for a successful event and highlighted Trkiye's zero-waste initiative, led by first lady Emine Erdogan, which has received recognition within the UN system.