Syria may join Makkah defence pact with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani confirmed that discussions were taking place to examine the possibility of joining the three-country alliance. The agreement aims to protect member countries against external military attacks through collective defence.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed on August 7. Under the agreement, an armed attack against one member can be treated as an attack against all three countries.
Syria discusses joining the defence alliance
Speaking at the Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain, Al-Shaibani said Syria was reviewing the possibility of becoming part of the alliance. He also discussed regional conflicts and expressed support for Gulf countries against external aggression.
“Discussions are currently underway to evaluate Syria’s entry into the Makkah alliance,” Al Shaibani said.
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the foreign minister condemned missile and drone attacks against Gulf countries. He also said Syria wanted to play a positive role in regional stability rather than become a source of threats to neighbouring states.
“Geography is destiny, and integration is a choice. We have chosen to make our territory a bridge for prosperity and the exchange of interests, and we stand as a bulwark against turning Syria into a platform for threatening neighbouring countries,” he was quoted as saying.
Syria raises concerns over Israeli attacks
Al-Shaibani also criticised repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory. He said the occupied Golan Heights belonged to Syria and supported efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state.
His remarks came at a time when tensions across the Middle East are increasing. Syria’s possible entry into the defence pact could become an important development for regional security and cooperation.
Saudi Arabia has also been seeking greater support from regional partners following increasing attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. One deadly attack reportedly forced Riyadh’s international airport to close for two weeks this month.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia strengthen defence cooperation
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia already have two defence arrangements aimed at protecting their security interests. These include the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between the two countries and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which also includes Turkiye.
Pakistan has assured Saudi Arabia of support against Houthi attacks. Earlier this month, military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan was providing “whatever support is needed” to defend the kingdom.
However, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) director general clarified that the Makkah alliance was not designed to launch offensive military operations. He said its purpose was limited to protecting member countries and maintaining regional peace.
The military spokesperson also said the agreement did not prevent other countries from joining. When asked whether Iran could become a member, he welcomed countries sharing the alliance’s goals.
“Anyone who has a shared vision of collective deterrence and regional peace, why not? Everyone is most welcome,” he said. He added that the final decision would rest with the political leadership of the three founding countries.
Syria has already held defence talks with Pakistan
Syria has previously shown interest in strengthening its defence and security relationship with Pakistan. In August, two weeks after the Makkah agreement was signed, Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani visited Pakistan and met Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.
According to ISPR, both sides discussed the “regional security environment and avenues for enhanced bilateral defence and security cooperation”. The meeting highlighted growing interest in closer security relations between the two countries.
Meanwhile, other international partners are also showing support for Saudi Arabia. French President Emmanuel Macron made an unexpected visit to Riyadh earlier this month and said France had sent troops to help protect an important Saudi oil terminal from possible attacks.
Syria’s possible entry into the Makkah defence pact could increase the alliance’s regional importance. It may also create stronger defence links between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and other countries.
However, joining the agreement would require political decisions by the existing members. The main challenge will be to expand security cooperation while keeping the alliance focused on defence and regional peace.
Also read: Makkah defence pact draws interest from more than six countries, Dar reveals
