Mecca Defense Alliance represents regional ownership, says Fidan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has issued a statement following the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the "Mecca Defense Alliance" held in Istanbul.

According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Fidan stated that the process, which began with an agreement signed between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia on August 7, 2026, has now taken on an institutional character.

Before commencing his address, the minister expressed his condolences to the families of those who perished in a recent maritime accident off the coast of Kyrenia, extending his sympathies to the people of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Fidan emphasized that the "Mecca Defense Alliance" is a direct result of the concept of regional ownership. According to the minister, external interference in the region and the search for solutions from outside actors do not improve the situation, but rather lead to more severe consequences.

The parties reached a consensus on the official name of the alliance, "Mecca Defense Alliance." Furthermore, it was decided that the alliance's secretariat will be based in Riyadh, with a representative from Pakistan appointed as the first Secretary-General.

It was noted that the alliance does not replace existing international commitments, including NATO membership, but rather serves as a complementary mechanism.

During the meeting, the rhetoric directed at Turkey by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also discussed. Hakan Fidan described Netanyahu as a "common threat to humanity," stating that his policies pose a serious challenge not only to Turkey but to the global security architecture.

The Mecca Defense Alliance represents a significant shift in regional security dynamics, aiming to foster closer military and political cooperation among key Islamic nations to address shared geopolitical challenges without relying on external powers.