Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has highlighted the significance of the "Mecca Defense Agreement," signed between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing its importance for regional and global security.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Erdogan told Al Jazeera that the agreement sends a strong message for world peace and demonstrates the signatories' resolve to act collectively against potential threats. He noted that the pact includes a defense mechanism similar to NATO's Article 5 and remains open to other nations joining the cooperation framework.
Addressing relations with Syria, Erdogan stated that state mechanisms between Ankara and Damascus are cooperating effectively. He emphasized that stability in Syria remains a priority for Turkey and announced plans to visit Damascus in the near future.
The Turkish leader also criticized Israel's regional policies, calling for an immediate halt to attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. "We cannot abandon Gaza. As long as Israel's aggressive stance continues, we will continue to issue our warnings," Erdogan asserted. Regarding broader foreign policy, he noted that Turkey expects the fulfillment of promises regarding the F-35 program from the United States, described relations with Russia as high-level, and remarked that EU membership is no longer a priority for Turkey.
