Syrian FM says Damascus mulling Mecca Joint Defense pact, but rejects strengthening Iran ties

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani expressed Syria's interest in reviewing a trilateral defense agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, known as the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement. Speaking during an exclusive interaction in Islamabad, al-Shaibani stated, "Like other countries, we have also reviewed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.

These are three important countries in the region. We are reviewing our options, but for now, we have not made any decision about joining it." When asked about Pakistan's mediation efforts to improve relations between Iran and Syria, al-Shaibani dismissed the possibility, saying, "If Iran stops what it has been doing to the Syrian people over the past 14 years, there could be a possibility of dialogue."

He also hinted at the potential for a visit to Iran, stating, "If Iran changes its policy, we would have no objection." Al-Shaibani criticized Israel's expansionist ambitions, accusing the country of violating a 1974 agreement. He also praised Turkey's role in supporting Syria for the past 14 years. During his visit, al-Shaibani met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, discussing the appointment of ambassadors, direct flights, and the reactivation of the Joint Ministerial Commission.

He described the visit as historic, emphasizing the expansion of relations rather than the restoration of old ones.