31.08.2026 19:02
Following the first meeting in Istanbul of the alliance established under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement signed between Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, a statement was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The statement said, 'Through joint activities, they will also work to strengthen the compatibility of defense capabilities and armed forces through defense industry cooperation, joint technology development, and joint production.'
The first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee, established under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, was held in Istanbul with the participation of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, Chief of General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, as well as Pakistani and Saudi Arabian officials.
FIRST MEETING IN ISTANBUL
In the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the meeting, the following statements were included: "The Foreign and Defense Ministers and the Chiefs of General Staff of the Republic of Türkiye, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia convened in Istanbul on August 31, 2026, in the format of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee established by the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.
"THREE COUNTRIES WILL WORK TOGETHER FOR PEACE AND STABILITY"
The three countries reaffirm their determination to work together within the framework offered by the Mecca Agreement, with a sense of regional ownership, to ensure sustainable peace and stability in their region. To this end, they will continue to support efforts to reduce tension and ensure restraint in order to promote the peaceful resolution of crises.
Today, the three countries have agreed to take steps to further institutionalize cooperation under the Mecca Agreement, in a way that will strengthen their solidarity, ensure the credibility and effectiveness of their collective deterrence and defense, and contribute to regional efforts and cooperative security toward a just, inclusive, and lasting peace.
To support the work to be carried out within the framework of the Mecca Agreement, a Secretariat will be established in Saudi Arabia, headed by a Secretary-General. The Secretariat will initially be chaired by a Secretary-General from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, who will serve for a term of three years.
"WILL WORK TOGETHER FOR DEFENSE INDUSTRY COOPERATION"
Through joint activities, they will also work to strengthen defense industry cooperation, the harmonization of defense capabilities and armed forces through joint technology development and joint production. The three countries will make the necessary contributions to regional peace and stability by implementing the Mecca Agreement in an institutionalized and determined manner."
On the other hand, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in his statement after the meeting, both explained the roadmap of the Mecca Defense Alliance and gave messages directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM MUST FIGHT THE NETANYAHU THREAT"
The most striking part of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's statements was his words about Netanyahu. Fidan said, "Netanyahu, who has become the common enemy of humanity, the international community, and security, is not a person to be taken seriously. Netanyahu, his mentality, and the genocidal mass acting with him pose a threat not only for Türkiye but for all global security. This murderer, who takes pleasure in spilling Palestinian blood and Muslim blood, must now be stopped. The international system must fight this Netanyahu threat. That is my message."
OFFICIAL NAME OF THE ALLIANCE ANNOUNCED
Fidan also announced that an agreement was reached on the official name of the new defense structure during the meeting. Minister Fidan said, "As of today, we have also begun our work to establish the institutional structure envisaged by the agreement. First of all, we have agreed on the official name of our alliance: the Mecca Defense Alliance. Our brothers expressed their views in great harmony and depth during the meeting. I hope the decisions taken here will be auspicious."
"ALLIANCE IS OPEN TO ALL STATES IN THE REGION"
Emphasizing that the Mecca Defense Alliance was not established against any country, Fidan stated that the structure is defense-oriented. Stating that the alliance is based on the principles of respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity of states, and non-interference in their internal affairs, Fidan noted that the door is open to states in the region. Fidan said, "The alliance is based on international law principles such as respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and non-interference in their internal affairs. We reiterate that the alliance is not against any state; on the contrary, it is open to all states in our region that adhere to these fundamental principles. We agree on the expansion of the alliance, but of course, this will happen over time."
"WE WILL SEE UNCERTAINTY IN THE REGION DECREASE"
Speaking about the impact of the new alliance on regional security, Fidan said, "With this alliance, we will see greater stability and decreased uncertainty in the region."