10.11.2026 07:30
Syria has decided to join the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, which includes Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. The alliance, under which an attack on one member state is considered an attack on all members, will expand to four countries with Syria's participation.
A significant development closely affecting security balances in the Middle East has occurred. The US news agency Associated Press (AP) reported that Syria has decided to join the joint defense alliance formed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Citing two Syrian officials, the report said that the Damascus administration would join the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, but the decision had not yet been publicly announced.
NO OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE DAMASCUS ADMINISTRATION
A regional official speaking to AP stated that negotiations regarding Syria's participation in the alliance are ongoing. While the Damascus administration has not yet made an official announcement, it was recalled that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani announced on October 31 that they were assessing the possibility of joining the agreement.
AN ATTACK ON ONE COUNTRY WILL BE CONSIDERED AN ATTACK ON ALL MEMBERS
The joint defense agreement signed in Mecca in August 2026 between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan aims to jointly protect the security of the member countries. Under the agreement, which is likened to NATO's principle of collective defense, an attack on one of the member countries is considered an attack on all parties.
With Syria also joining the agreement, whose approval process Turkey completed as of November 5, the scope of regional defense cooperation will expand.
NEW DEFENSE EQUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Syria under President Ahmed al-Sharaa is taking steps to strengthen its political, economic, and military relations with regional countries, especially Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The Damascus administration aims to expand its regional partnerships during the country's reconstruction process.
Turkey and Saudi Arabia are among the important supporters of Syria's reintegration into the international system and the country's reconstruction. With Syria joining the defense alliance, military and diplomatic cooperation among the four countries is expected to acquire a more comprehensive structure.