Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, alongside National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Chief of General Staff Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, is currently in Riyadh to attend a crucial 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 through cooperation.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement in Yemen. Turkish officials are expected to reaffirm their support for Saudi Arabia and address significant regional security threats, such as attacks on Saudi territory and concerns over the protection of sacred sites and civilian infrastructure.
A key focus of the discussions will be the institutional development of the alliance, including plans to establish a permanent secretariat and a military headquarters in Riyadh, with personnel assignments anticipated once preparations are complete. The officials will also deliberate on 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 and the potential expansion of the alliance to include additional regional members are also on the agenda. The Mecca agreement seeks to create a regional defense framework that emphasizes cooperation among regional countries, steering clear of forming a bloc against external powers.