Turkey has clarified that the Mecca defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is not aimed at Iran, according to Turkish officials. The agreement, described as a NATO-like arrangement, is intended to enhance regional security cooperation, officials said. The pact was announced amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, though Turkey emphasized that it does not target any specific country.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the alliance is designed to address common security challenges and promote stability in the region. He noted that the agreement would involve regular military coordination and intelligence sharing among the three nations. Fidan also hinted that Egypt could be considered for inclusion in the pact, though no official announcement has been made.
The clarification comes as speculation grew that the pact might be a response to the ongoing situation in Iran. However, Ankara has consistently denied any such intent, stressing that the agreement is purely defensive in nature. The details of the pact, including its operational framework, were outlined in a recent interview with Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency. (thehill.com)
