Makkah diplomacy and the New Middle East
Makkah diplomacy and the New Middle East newspress_en Wed, 08/12/2026 - 14:24 Opinion Throughout its illustrious history, Makkah has been the venue for numerous social, economic, intellectual, political, and security agreements. These range from Hilf al-Fudul before Islam, which complemented Hilf al-Mutayyibin, to the mutual defence agreement signed at the end of last week between Saudi Arabia,…
Throughout history, Makkah has been the site of various social, economic, intellectual, political, and security agreements. The most recent addition to this list is the Makkah Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye. By choosing Makkah as the venue, the Saudi leadership aimed to promote inclusivity, as Makkah is a holy city for all Muslims, regardless of sect.
While the signatories are predominantly Sunni states, the agreement seeks to foster a new Middle East identity, founded on peace and mutual interest, rather than sectarian conflicts. The agreement's signatories are West Asian states that share religious bonds and political visions, creating a powerful and cohesive axis. Moreover, their geographic location connects Asia, Europe, and the global south to the developed north, with ongoing connectivity projects such as railways and electricity networks.
The Makkah Agreement emphasizes a defensive nature, not an Islamic NATO directed against anyone, aiming to safeguard regional security while preserving existing security partnerships. With the latest Makkah Agreement, Riyadh has laid out its vision for a new Middle East, based on mutual respect, unity, peace, and prosperity.
Written by urgent.news from Al Majalla English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
