Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that the Mecca Alliance, a cooperative initiative involving Trkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, has made significant progress toward institutionalization. Efforts are underway to establish its headquarters and assign personnel, marking the alliance as a pivotal platform in regional cooperation.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan emphasized the strong political will behind the alliance in an interview with Turkish broadcaster NTV, noting that Ankara is actively working to translate this will into actionable steps. The alliance's progress includes nearly complete preparations for a secretariat and a military headquarters as part of the institutional framework.
Fidan highlighted a shared understanding among the three nations regarding the alliance's operational dynamics, indicating that personnel deployment and making the headquarters operational are imminent next steps. He also mentioned that discussions on new memberships could commence once institutionalization is complete, emphasizing the alliance's role in fostering regional defense and trust, rather than forming a bloc against external entities.
Addressing recent regional conflicts, Fidan reiterated Trkiye's support for Saudi Arabia amidst attacks by Yemen's Houthis, affirming the alliance's mutual responsibility to uphold each member's sovereignty. He criticized certain countries' skepticism about the alliance's effectiveness, asserting that such views reflect the perceived impact and significance of the Mecca Alliance.
Fidan also responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent rhetoric against Trkiye, interpreting it as an attempt to consolidate domestic political support. He underscored Trkiye's commitment to a peaceful foreign policy and cautioned against provocations that could destabilize the region.
As part of Trkiye's broader foreign policy, Fidan detailed ongoing mediation efforts in regional conflicts, including the US-Iran tensions, and emphasized the importance of Trkiye's stability for regional peace and development. He outlined the strategic significance of artificial intelligence as a future focal point for national security and international cooperation.
Fidan concluded by highlighting Trkiye's readiness to address global challenges, including through participation in international forums like the UN General Assembly, where President Erdogan is expected to advocate for collaborative solutions to pressing issues such as artificial intelligence.