Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and Chief of General Staff Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu are in Riyadh to participate in the Strategic Political and Defense Committee meeting of the Mecca Joint Defense Alliance. The alliance, founded by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan in August 2026, aims to bolster joint defense capabilities and enhance regional security and cooperation.
This meeting occurs against the backdrop of rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement in Yemen. During the discussions, Fidan is anticipated to reaffirm Türkiye’s support for Saudi Arabia and address regional security threats, including attacks on Saudi territory and concerns regarding the safety of sacred sites and civilian infrastructure.
Key topics on the meeting’s agenda include the institutional development of the alliance. The member countries are working towards establishing a permanent secretariat in Riyadh and a military headquarters, with personnel assignments to follow the completion of necessary preparations. The discussions will also cover the alliance’s future structure, challenges to regional security, and the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation on international trade routes.
The Mecca Joint Defense Alliance seeks to create a regional defense framework based on cooperation among regional countries rather than forming a bloc against external powers. There is also consideration for potential expansion of the alliance to include additional regional members in the future.