Mecca Joint Defense Agreement open to all regional countries: Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara's long-term vision is to eventually bring all countries in the region under the framework of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Erdogan added that the pact is not directed against any country and is intended to strengthen collective deterrence, regional security and cooperation.

He made the remarks in an interview with London-based Asharq Al-Awsat. Türkiye's head of the Presidency's Directorate of Communications Burhanettin Duran also highlighted the interview in a social media post.

Erdogan said the agreement emerged from changing regional conditions and a shared sense of responsibility among regional countries.

"We have always supported regional issues being owned and resolved by the countries of the region," Erdogan said. "The issues of the region should be resolved by the region's own actors."
He said recent developments had demonstrated the importance of solidarity among friendly and brotherly countries, adding that Türkiye had consistently supported stronger dialogue and consultation rather than deepening disputes.

Erdogan said lasting peace requires not only an end to conflicts but also mutual trust, political will and a shared vision for the future.

He described the agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan as a historic responsibility extending beyond cooperation among the three countries.

Erdogan stressed that the framework remains open to other countries seeking peace and stability in the region and said the three signatories were willing to increase the number of participating states.

"Our vision is not to remain limited to three countries, but to grow further and, if possible, one day bring all countries in the region under this umbrella," he said.