Erdoğan says Mecca defence pact to boost regional security cooperation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by the leaders of Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will strengthen security and defence cooperation, support joint defence industry projects and enhance efforts to combat terrorism.

Commenting on the agreement in a social media post on August 7, Erdoğan said the pact was based on the principle of collective deterrence and reaffirmed the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media. 

"The agreement is not directed against any country. It is open to all brotherly states that share the goal of promoting peace, prosperity and stability in our region," he said.

Erdoğan added that Türkiye would continue to pursue a principled policy of resolving conflicts and crises through dialogue and diplomacy, based on respect for international law and the principle of regional responsibility.

The Turkish president also expressed hope that his visit to Saudi Arabia, the consultations held during the trip and the agreement signed in Mecca would contribute to peace and stability across the region.

By Aghakazim Guliyev