사우디·튀르키예·파키스탄 ‘메카공동방위협정’ 가동…“새 안보 체제”

The Saudi-Arabian, Turkish, and Pakistani 'Mecca Joint Defense Agreement' has entered an active phase, marking the beginning of a new regional security cooperation framework. The three nations have agreed to establish permanent secretariat offices, expanding their focus to include all Islamic states in the broader security arrangement.

Following the agreement's signing in August, a strategic political and defense committee met in Istanbul, with top-level diplomats and military leaders from each nation attending to discuss military and security collaboration. The temporary secretariat office will be led by a Pakistani representative during the initial three-year operational phase.

The agreement's mutual defense clause states that any armed attack against one nation will be considered an attack against all. As the war in Iran has disrupted the U.S-led security order in the Middle East, the agreement aims to establish a new multilateral defense system centered around the region. Saudi Arabia's oil and wealth, Turkey's military and arms industry, and Pakistan's nuclear capabilities form the foundation of this new multilateral defense system, garnering attention.

Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, stated that the agreement marks the start of building a new security and cooperation framework for the region, emphasizing that it is open to all countries. Pakistani Foreign Minister, this year, reported that six to seven Islamic nations have shown interest in joining the agreement, with the process of absorbing new members underway.

The possibility of Iran's participation was mentioned by Turkish officials, though Iran has denied involvement. Bangladesh has officially expressed its participation in the agreement, and the foreign ministry of Bangladesh praised the agreement as positive, stating that it represents a defense system for the global Islamic community and strengthens the 'Islamic family'.

U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the agreement, describing it as a significant step and a positive development for the Middle East, emphasizing that it brings the nations together in a more meaningful way to defend themselves.