Syria weighing whether to join Mecca pact: foreign minister
MANAMA — Syria's top diplomat on Saturday said Damascus was considering whether to join the NATO-style Mecca defense alliance that binds Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Saudi Arabia, under heavy fire from Yemen's Houthis, is a key backer of Syria's government that came to power after the fall of former strongman Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. "Discussions are currently underway to evaluate…
MANAMA — Syria's top diplomat has indicated that Damascus is contemplating joining the NATO-style Mecca defense alliance, which currently comprises Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Saudi Arabia, facing intense pressure from Yemen's Houthi rebels, is a major supporter of Syria's present government, which rose to power following the downfall of former dictator Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani disclosed this information at the Manama Dialogue conference held in Bahrain.
Saudi Arabia has been actively seeking allies to counter the growing aggression from the Houthis, with a significant attack recently causing the closure of Riyadh's international airport for two weeks. In August, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed the defense pact in Mecca, a city considered holy by Muslims. However, Pakistan and Turkey have yet to announce any strikes on the Iran-backed Houthis.
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron paid an unexpected visit to Riyadh. During his stay, he announced that France has deployed troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's defenses against oil threats.
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