Syria Weighs Joining Saudi, Turkiye, and Pakistan Defence Pact

Syria is actively evaluating its potential membership in a new regional security alliance, a move that would tie its fate to Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani confirmed the negotiations are currently underway during a speech at the Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain on Saturday.

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement was signed in August in the Saudi city of Mecca. The pact establishes a mutual defence clause, meaning an attack on any signatory is treated as an attack on all three members. Analysts have drawn parallels between this arrangement and the NATO security alliance that unites the United States, Canada, and 30 European nations.

Saudi Arabia, which leads the group, serves as a primary backer for the Syrian government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This administration came to power following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's rule in December 2024. Riyadh faces escalating military pressure from the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, a threat that prompted Pakistan and Turkiye to pledge support to the Saudis.

Despite these pledges, neither Islamabad nor Ankara has launched direct attacks against the Houthi forces. Turkish government officials have clarified that their ratification process for the pact does not require the deployment of Turkish troops to fight in Yemen or attack the Houthis directly.

Al-Shaibani described Syria as an integral part of regional security architecture. He stated that the region is in greater need than ever of developing joint deterrence and defence systems. The minister also voiced support for the internationally recognized Yemeni government in its efforts to restore sovereignty and stability across its territory while battling the Houthis.

The diplomat shifted focus to the Syrian-Israeli border, noting that Israel has executed more than 1,000 attacks on Syria in less than two years. These strikes have killed dozens of people. Al-Shaibani questioned the validity of calls for strict border control and exclusive state weapon possession while Syrian sovereignty faces daily violations.