Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, along with National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Chief of General Staff Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, has arrived in Riyadh to attend a significant meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Mecca Joint Defense Alliance. This visit comes as the alliance, formed by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan in August 2026, seeks to bolster joint defense capabilities and enhance regional security and cooperation.
The timing of the meeting is critical, given the ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement in Yemen. During the discussions, Fidan is expected to reaffirm Türkiye’s support for Saudi Arabia, addressing threats to regional security, including attacks on Saudi territory and concerns regarding the safety of sacred sites and civilian infrastructure.
A key focus of the meeting is the alliance’s institutional development, with plans to establish a permanent secretariat in Riyadh and a military headquarters. Personnel assignments are anticipated once these preparations are finalized. The discussions will also cover the alliance’s future structure, challenges to regional security, and efforts to maintain freedom of navigation on international trade routes.
The Mecca Joint Defense Alliance, through its agreement, aims to create a cooperative regional defense framework rather than forming a bloc against external powers. Türkiye has indicated the potential for the alliance to expand by including more regional members in the future.
Officials will also explore peaceful resolutions to ongoing conflicts, reinforcing the alliance’s commitment to promoting stability and security within the region. As the alliance evolves, its strategic importance in regional defense and security dynamics continues to grow.