Syria is weighing whether to join the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, while Bangladesh has also expressed openness to joining a wider framework.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia could expand as Syria weighs whether to join the pact, while Bangladesh has said it is open to becoming part of a broader economic or defence framework involving the three countries.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani said Damascus was reviewing the possibility of joining the agreement but had not yet made a decision. Speaking during a state visit to Islamabad, al-Shaibani said Syria would decide on the issue later.
The agreement was signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in Mecca on August 7. The three countries formally committed to treating an armed attack against any one of them as an attack against all three.
Bangladesh has also expressed openness to joining the pact. Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said Dhaka maintains a positive approach towards the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, while taking into account Bangladesh’s own interests and changing global economic and trade dynamics.
Syria and Bangladesh Look Toward Closer Ties With Pact Members
Syria is also seeking to deepen its relationship with Pakistan. During al-Shaibani’s visit, the two countries agreed to reactivate their joint ministerial committee, maintain direct flights, establish a business council and organise an investment forum.
Al-Shaibani said Syria would upgrade its diplomatic representation in Pakistan to ambassadorial level. The two sides are also moving towards exchanging ambassadors.