Syria mulls joining Makkah pact

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani revealed on Thursday that Syria is evaluating the possibilities of either joining or collaborating with a newly established defense coalition comprising Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. During an interview with journalists in Islamabad, Shaibani emphasized that Syria would ultimately decide on its participation, highlighting Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey as significant regional players.

This conversation took place during Shaibani's inaugural visit to Pakistan after nearly two decades, as Damascus endeavors to reestablish its regional and international connections after a decade of strife and political turmoil. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, inked earlier this month by the aforementioned nations, stipulates that an armed assault on one member nation is considered an assault on all.

Pakistan has clarified that the agreement is not aimed at any specific country and has expressed willingness for other Muslim nations to join. Shaibani endorsed the agreement during discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, praising Pakistan's role in fostering regional peace and stability, particularly in the context of the US-Iran conflict.

However, no decision on Syria's potential membership in the coalition was reached during the visit. Shaibani's visit holds increased significance due to heightened tensions between Syria and Israel, as well as heightened Israeli-Turkish tensions following an Israeli strike near Aleppo on August 18. Israel alleges that Syria was planning to alter existing security arrangements by permitting Turkish forces to be stationed at the Abu al-Duhur airbase.

Shaibani staunchly defended Turkey's stance, asserting that Ankara has supported Syria and its people for the past 14 years and that Israel lacks the authority to dictate Syria's allies or partners. Pakistan reaffirmed its backing for Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while also pledging support for Syria's stance on the Golan Heights, presently under Israeli occupation.

Shaibani conveyed President al-Sharaa's well-wishes to Shehbaz Sharif and briefed him on Syria's political transition and reconstruction endeavors. He also extended an invitation for President al-Sharaa to make an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually agreeable time. Regarding Syria's relations with Iran, Shaibani stated that Pakistan had not proposed mediation between the two countries during his visit, yet indicated that Damascus would not oppose a Pakistani mediation effort under specific circumstances.

Both Shaibani and Dar reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and discussed regional and international developments, including Palestine, the Golan Heights, Afghanistan, South Asia, and Middle East affairs.