The Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Mecca Joint Defense Alliance is convening in Riyadh, drawing high-ranking Turkish officials to the Saudi capital. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and Chief of General Staff Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu are attending the meeting, which is set against the backdrop of increased regional tensions, particularly involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement in Yemen.
Established in August 2026, the alliance between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan aims to bolster joint defense capabilities, enhance regional security, and foster cooperation. The current gathering is expected to reaffirm Türkiye’s support for Saudi Arabia and address various security concerns, including attacks on Saudi territory and threats to sacred sites and civilian infrastructure.
Another key focus of the meeting is the institutional development of the alliance. Plans are underway to establish a permanent secretariat in Riyadh and a dedicated military headquarters, with personnel assignments anticipated upon completion of these preparations. Discussions will also encompass the alliance’s future structure and strategies to tackle regional security challenges.
The agenda includes deliberations on maintaining freedom of navigation along international trade routes and exploring peaceful resolutions to ongoing conflicts. The foundational goal of the Mecca agreement is to create a regional defense framework based on collaboration among Middle Eastern countries, rather than forming a bloc against external powers. Türkiye has suggested the possibility of expanding the alliance to include additional regional members over time.