Syria considers joining Mecca defense pact

Daily Sabah · Daily Sabah with Agencies · 2026-10-31 09:34 UTC

Syria is considering joining the Mecca Defence Alliance, a NATO-style security pact linking Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, Foreign Minister Asaad...

Syria is considering joining the Mecca Defence Alliance, a NATO-style security pact linking Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said Saturday, signaling Damascus' interest in deeper regional security cooperation as it seeks to rebuild its military and strengthen diplomatic ties.

"Discussions are currently underway to evaluate Syria's entry into the Mecca alliance," al-Shaibani said during the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue in Bahrain.

His remarks indicate that Damascus is seriously examining membership, although no formal application or final decision has been announced.

Read the full story at Daily Sabah · All coverage of this story