Mecca Agreement open to all regional countries: President Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement represents a strategic determination to address changing regional circumstances rather than a reaction to day-to-day developments. Speaking to the London-based Arabic newspaper in an interview published Wednesday, Erdogan emphasized that the trilateral pact between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan should not be viewed merely as a response to US-Iran tensions. "Indeed, our vision is not limited to three countries. We want it to expand further and, if possible, one day bring all countries in the region under this framework. This would be one of the most important steps toward achieving lasting regional stability," he said, adding that the deal is open to participation by all brotherly countries seeking peace and prosperity.

The agreement does not pose a threat to any nation and stems from consultations that have been ongoing for a very long period, Erdogan noted. He stressed that Ankara has always pursued policies aimed at making the collective wisdom of regional countries decisive, knowing the disasters that externally imposed prescriptions have caused in previous attempts to resolve regional problems. Türkiye favors diplomacy over tension and dialogue over conflict, he said, positioning the country as one capable of speaking with all parties and assuming responsibility on difficult issues when necessary.

Collective deterrence principle

The pact is built on the principle of collective deterrence and aims to deepen security and defense cooperation among its members while contributing to regional stability, Erdogan explained. Under the deal, a threat to one member's security will be treated as a common security concern by the other parties, paving the way for joint defense industry projects and strengthened cooperation against terrorism. "The security of one of us is the security of all of us," Erdogan said, adding that an inclusive application of this approach can help establish lasting peace and prosperity across the region.

The president emphasized that the agreement should not be viewed solely as a military arrangement, saying its broader purpose is to reinforce deterrence and preserve peace through solidarity. Regional countries must take greater responsibility for their own security and future, he argued, noting that stronger regional ownership and coordination will bolster stability in the Middle East and contribute to global security. The future of the region cannot be shaped independently of the will of its own countries, he added, stressing that Türkiye does not seek exclusionary blocs but rather a cooperation framework based on respect for sovereignty and mutual trust.

Gulf security and Hormuz

Erdogan underscored the importance of Gulf security for the global economy and international trade, noting that energy supply security and maritime route safety are directly connected to peace in this region. The Mecca Agreement will help enhance security in the Gulf and promote regional prosperity, he said, adding that every step to strengthen stability there would benefit global peace. Security and economic development are closely linked, Erdogan noted, pointing to Europe's postwar experience where political stability paved the way for economic integration.

The president warned that tensions in the Strait of Hormuz — a vital chokepoint for energy supplies — can have worldwide economic consequences. "Our hope and expectation is that the current tensions will end as soon as possible and that the Strait of Hormuz will once again serve international trade safely, stably, and without interruption. Achieving this depends on the parties acting with common sense and keeping diplomatic channels open," he said. Regional countries bear significant responsibility for the security of the Strait, he added, noting that stronger cooperation and a shared security approach could ensure its long-term stability.

Syria and Lebanon context

Erdogan described developments in Syria as a "historic turning point" that should enable Syrians to determine their own future while preserving the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty. "We regard the process of change taking place in Syria as a historic turning point in terms of the Syrian people's ability to determine their own future," he said, adding that Ankara will not tolerate any structure in Syria that threatens Türkiye's national security. Syria has made great progress since December 2024 in improving security conditions and setting the groundwork for reconstruction, with regional support playing a crucial role in the normalization process.

The president stressed that Lebanon's peace and security are of great importance to regional stability, calling for an immediate end to Israeli attacks on Lebanon. "Israel's attacks against Lebanon must be brought to an immediate end," he said, welcoming ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire while noting that Lebanon's security cannot be considered separately from regional peace. The fate of the Middle East should not continually be written through conflict and destruction, Erdogan added, stating that Türkiye stands ready to provide technical support to Lebanon and deepen cooperation with Beirut to help the country regain stability.