Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the significance of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, a trilateral pact signed by Trkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, as a transformative step towards global peace. In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic television, Erdogan highlighted the timing of the agreement, aligning with the 25th anniversary of the Justice and Development (AK) Party, as particularly meaningful.
According to TRTworld.com, Erdogan stressed that the agreement, signed amid tensions between the US and Iran, sends a powerful message of peace to the world. He pointed out that the pact mirrors NATO's Article 5, providing collective defense among the signatories, and leaves the door open for additional countries to join in the future. Erdogan expressed satisfaction with the agreement and its potential to foster peace, especially in the context of ongoing regional conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Erdogan also addressed other geopolitical issues, including the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz for global oil traffic and the role of Qatar and Pakistan in mediating between the US and Iran. He reaffirmed Trkiye's commitment to supporting Syria's stability under President Ahmed al Sharaa and criticized Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Gaza, emphasizing Trkiye's stance against war and its support for peace.
On the topic of relations with Sudan, Erdogan underscored his support for the Sudanese administration and expressed positive views on Trkiye's partnerships in Libya, particularly in developing oil reserves. He also discussed expectations from the US regarding the F-35 fighter jet program and clarified that Israel is not a factor in Trkiye-US relations.
Addressing Trkiye's foreign relations, Erdogan described ongoing strong ties with Russia and expressed a continued desire to join the European Union, despite longstanding challenges. He highlighted Trkiye's military strength and the importance of solidarity with the Arab world, maintaining that while EU membership is not a priority, the door to joining remains open.