Istanbul: The Mecca defense agreement has set in motion a process to create a "new security and cooperation architecture" in the region, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced. Speaking at a news conference in Istanbul following the inaugural meeting under the trilateral agreement between Trkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, Fidan emphasized the urgent need for regional countries to collaborate for security, stability, prosperity, and lasting peace.
According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting took place at Istanbul's Ciragan Palace, with attendance from high-ranking officials including Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler and Chief of General Staff Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu. Pakistan was represented by Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Saudi Arabia's delegation included Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, and Chief of General Staff Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili.
Fidan highlighted that the agreement, signed under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, marks a historic step founded on regional ownership. He stressed the importance of internal solutions to regional issues, warning against external interventions that could result in significant costs. The first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee, part of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, focused on implementing the agreement and establishing the institutional structure of the newly named Mecca Defense Alliance, with its secretariat to be based in Riyadh.
Fidan noted that the alliance is open to expansion, with work underway on a roadmap for potential new members. He emphasized the need to lay strong foundations and ensure proper institutionalization before adding new members, a sentiment shared by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Fidan assured that the alliance is not directed against any country but is open to regional states adhering to principles of international law, such as respect for sovereignty and non-interference. He reiterated that the alliance complements Trkiye's existing NATO obligations and other international agreements.
On other matters, Fidan criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a global threat, calling for international action against his policies, which he described as harmful to the region and beyond. He also addressed regional security challenges, highlighting the need for regional ownership of problems to build trust and stability. Fidan noted that the region's abundant resources and opportunities are hindered by a lack of stability and trust, which the alliance aims to address.
Regarding the Black Sea's navigation safety, Fidan acknowledged the ongoing threats and emphasized Trkiye's active role in facilitating a resolution, drawing parallels to past efforts like the Grain Deal. He also expressed condolences to victims of a maritime accident off the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Source: Anadolu Agency