Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and Chief of General Staff Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu are currently in Riyadh to participate in an important meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Mecca Joint Defense Alliance. This alliance, formed in August 2026 by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, aims to bolster joint defense capabilities and enhance regional security and cooperation.
The meeting occurs at a time of heightened tensions involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement in Yemen. Minister Fidan is expected to reaffirm Türkiye’s support for Saudi Arabia, addressing threats to regional security, including attacks on Saudi territory and concerns about the safety of sacred sites and civilian infrastructure.
A key focus of the meeting is the institutional development of the alliance. The three countries are working towards establishing a permanent secretariat in Riyadh and setting up a military headquarters, with personnel assignments to follow once preparations are finalized. This development is part of a broader effort to solidify the alliance’s operational framework.
Discussions will also cover the alliance’s future structure, regional security challenges, and the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation on international trade routes. Efforts to resolve conflicts through peaceful means are also a priority, aligning with the Mecca agreement’s goal of promoting a cooperative regional defense framework rather than forming a bloc against external powers.
There is potential for the alliance to expand by including additional regional members, a prospect that Türkiye has shown interest in. This expansion could further enhance the collaborative defense efforts and stability in the region.