Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani says discussions are underway to assess Damascus’s possible entry into the regional defence alliance during the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain.
MANAMA, BAHRAIN — WEB DESK: Syria is considering joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which brings together Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has said.
Speaking at the Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain on Saturday, October 31, al-Shaibani confirmed that discussions were underway to evaluate Syria’s possible entry into the regional defence alliance.
“Discussions are currently underway to evaluate Syria’s entry into the Makkah alliance,” the foreign minister said, according to reporting by Syrian state media and international news agencies.
Syria Signals Interest in Regional Defence Cooperation
Al-Shaibani described Syria as an integral part of regional security and said Damascus would support frameworks aimed at protecting stability across the region.
He stressed the importance of developing joint defence and deterrence mechanisms, particularly amid escalating security challenges in the Middle East.
The Syrian foreign minister also expressed support for Gulf countries against external aggression and condemned missile and drone attacks targeting regional states.
What Is the Makkah Defence Pact?
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed on August 7, 2026, by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.
Under the agreement, an armed attack against one member is to be treated as an attack against all three, establishing a framework for collective defence and deterrence.
The arrangement has drawn comparisons with NATO because of its collective-defence principle.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also maintain a separate Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, while Turkiye is a member of the trilateral Makkah arrangement.
Pakistan Says Alliance Is Open to New Members
Pakistan has previously indicated that the Makkah defence framework does not necessarily exclude additional members.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry recently said countries sharing the vision of collective deterrence and regional peace could be considered for inclusion.
He also emphasised that the alliance was defensive in nature and had no offensive intentions.
The decision regarding potential expansion rests with the political leadership of its existing members.
Syria and Pakistan Discussed Defence Cooperation
Syria’s latest statement comes after al-Shaibani’s visit to Pakistan in August, shortly after the Makkah agreement was signed.
During the visit, he met Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff.
According to Pakistan’s military media wing, the discussions covered the regional security environment and opportunities to strengthen bilateral defence and security cooperation.
No Formal Membership Decision Announced
Although Damascus has confirmed discussions over joining the alliance, the Syrian foreign minister has not announced a formal membership application or a final decision.
Any expansion would require further consideration by the existing member countries.
Syria’s possible inclusion could become an important development in regional defence cooperation, particularly as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye continue discussions on collective security and regional stability.
