Syria Weighs Joining Saudi-Turkish-Pakistani Mecca Defense Pact

Syria is currently examining the possibility of joining the joint defense pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, known as the "Mecca Alliance," according to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani.

Speaking at the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain, al-Shibani noted that discussions are underway to explore Damascus's accession to the pact. However, he emphasized that these talks represent an evaluation phase rather than a finalized agreement or official accession.

Implications for Regional Stability

Potential Syrian membership in the alliance could trigger a regional crisis if Israel conducts military strikes inside Syria or utilizes Syrian airspace for operations targeting Iran. Under such a pact, Damascus could invoke mutual defense clauses, alleging a violation of its sovereignty and requesting assistance from member states.

The tripartite defense agreement was initially signed on August 7 in Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The founding charter stipulates that any armed attack against one member state constitutes an attack against all, aiming to bolster regional deterrence and security cooperation.

Diplomatic Context and Priorities

Speculation regarding Syrian involvement surfaced previously in August during al-Shibani's official visit to Pakistan. At the time, the foreign minister stated that no final decision had been reached, emphasizing that rebuilding war-torn infrastructure and economic cooperation remain the primary objectives of Syrian foreign policy.

Addressing relations with Israel, al-Shibani maintained that discussing a strategic agreement is premature, asserting that the immediate priority is halting Israeli military operations. He underscored that Syria operates as a sovereign state and rejects external dictation regarding its international alliances.