{
  "id": 17391845,
  "title": "Syria in 'negotiations' about joining Makkah pact, says foreign minister",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/syria-in-negotiations-about-joining-makkah-pact-says-foreign-minister",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T11:34:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/10/31/syria-in-negotiations-about-joining-makkah-pact-says-foreign-minister/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Syria is engaged in discussions regarding potential membership in the Makkah pact, according to Foreign Minister Assad Al Shaibani. The negotiations took place during a Manama Dialogue event in Bahrain. Shaibani emphasized Syria's commitment to the security of the region and its willingness to support any organization that contributes to that security. He highlighted the special relationship between Syria and Turkey, which is part of the Makkah agreement alongside Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Makkah pact, signed in August, stipulates that an attack on one member state is considered an attack on all. Saudi Arabia has been actively seeking international support to combat the Iran-backed Houthis. Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa recently visited Saudi Arabia, and the Syrian government has consistently stressed the importance of Gulf security. However, there are no reports of the kingdom requesting Syrian troops for the fight against the Houthis in Yemen. Despite the pact's significance for regional security, it is not currently being utilized in Yemen. Recently, the three member states of the Makkah pact visited Tehran to attempt de-escalation efforts and establish a new communication channel, separate from the current mediators Pakistan and Qatar.",
  "summary": "Syria sees Gulf security as part of its own and has been in \"negotiations\" about whether to join the Makkah agreement, Foreign Minister Assad Al Shaibani said at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain on Saturday. \"Regarding Makkah pact integration, there are some negotiations on this issue and regardless of whether it is in the pact or not, or any other pact, Syria is part of the security of this region…",
  "key_points": [
    "Syria in talks to join Makkah pact, says Foreign Minister Assad Al Shaibani",
    "Negotiations held at Manama Dialogue in Bahrain",
    "Syria committed to regional security, supports Makkah pact members"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Syria considers joining Mecca Defense Pact",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/syria-considers-joining-mecca-defense-pact",
        "published": "2026-10-31T11:50:17.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "Syria weighs joining Makkah joint defence agreement",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/syria-weighs-joining-makkah-joint-defence-agreement",
        "published": "2026-10-31T16:27:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}