Turkey says Makkah defence pact aimed at regional security, not war

WEB DESK: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said the “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement”, between Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is aimed at protecting the security of member states and does not seek to escalate wars or create confrontation with other countries.

Speaking after the first meeting of the agreement, held in Turkey, the foreign minister said the three countries were committed to promoting peace, security and prosperity in the region.

“This alliance is meant to protect the security of each other and does not include any part to escalate war on other countries,” he said.

Fidan said Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would continue their coordinated efforts to ensure peace and stability across the region.

Egypt’s possible inclusion

Responding to a question from a Reuters correspondent about the possible inclusion of Egypt in the alliance, the Turkish foreign minister said any country seeking to join would have to fulfil all the terms and conditions of the agreement.

He said the process would take time as the alliance was currently in its early stages of establishment.

“Countries should join this alliance, but currently this alliance is in its early establishment phases,” he said.

The minister said regional countries should take ownership of issues affecting their region, stressing that stronger regional cooperation could help address security challenges.

He said the absence of effective regional alliances often leaves countries vulnerable when security problems emerge.

Border security

The Turkish foreign minister also said the borders of the three states and their neighbouring countries were clearly established. However, he noted that certain uncertainties had emerged in the Persian Gulf and Gulf regions, underscoring the need for greater regional coordination.

Israel’s actions in West Bank

Responding to a question from Al Jazeera about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s continued actions in the West Bank, the Turkish foreign minister accused Israel of pursuing policies that amounted to genocide.

He described the issue as a global concern and called on the international community to stand against what he termed Israel’s “heinous crimes”.

US-Iran conflict

Commenting on the ongoing war between the United States and Iran, the Turkish foreign minister said the conflict was threatening global peace.

He urged both sides to refrain from further escalation and called for efforts to prevent the conflict from widening.

The remarks came after the first meeting of the defense agreement, which brings Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia together under a framework focused on mutual security and regional stability.