Syria considers joining Saudi Arabia-Pakistan-Turkiye defence alliance

Syria is considering joining a NATO-style defence alliance involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has said.

Saudi Arabia, which is facing increasing attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, is a key supporter of Syria’s current government, which came to power following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Speaking at the Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said discussions were underway to explore the possibility of Syria joining the Mecca Defence Alliance, according to British news agency Reuters.

Saudi Arabia is seeking support amid escalating Houthi attacks. Earlier this month, a major attack reportedly forced Riyadh International Airport to remain closed for two weeks.

In August this year, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye signed a defence agreement in Mecca. Under the agreement, an attack on any one of the three countries would be considered an attack on all three.

Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron made an unannounced visit to Riyadh, announcing that France had deployed military personnel to help protect a key Saudi oil terminal from Houthi attacks.

Similarly, the British government announced in October that it would deploy fighter jets to assist Saudi Arabia in defending itself against Houthi attacks.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had described the Mecca alliance agreement as a positive development, stating that Iran was ready to play a role in promoting unity among Muslim countries.