Syria evaluates joining regional defence alliance with Saudi Arabia and allies

Syria is actively assessing whether to become a member of a regional security coalition established by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan, according to the country's foreign minister.

Speaking on Saturday at the Manama Dialogue security summit in Bahrain, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani confirmed that internal reviews and consultations are underway regarding Damascus potentially joining the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. Al-Shaibani emphasized that Syria sees itself as an essential component of Middle Eastern security and intends to back collective efforts designed to maintain stability across the region.

The mutual defence treaty was formally concluded in August in the holy city of Mecca. Under the terms of the accord, which resembles NATO's collective security framework, an act of aggression against any single signatory is regarded as an assault against all three nations.

Saudi Arabia serves as an important sponsor of the Syrian administration led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose government assumed power following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The Mecca pact was forged as Riyadh confronts ongoing military strikes from the Houthi movement in Yemen. While Pakistan and Turkiye have promised security assistance to the kingdom, Turkish authorities have clarified that their commitment does not extend to sending combat troops to fight on Yemeni soil or launch direct operations against Houthi forces. Turkiye's legislative approval of the agreement remains underway.

During his address, al-Shaibani declared that the Middle East requires unified defence and deterrence mechanisms more urgently than at any point in the past. He voiced firm backing for Yemen's internationally recognized, Saudi-supported administration, noting that Damascus supports efforts to reclaim total territorial integrity and stability against the Houthis.

The foreign minister also turned his attention to foreign interventions within Syria's own borders. He stated that Israel has executed upwards of 1,000 strikes inside Syrian territory during the past two years, resulting in dozens of deaths. Al-Shaibani questioned demands for stricter internal border controls and weapons management while Syria's sovereign territory continues to face persistent external attacks.