Syrian Foreign Minister Explores Joining 'Mecca Pact,' Pledges Support for Gulf States

Syrian Foreign Minister and Expatriates أسعد الشيباني announced on Saturday that Syria is evaluating potential membership in the "Mecca Pact." He emphasized that the security of the Arabian Gulf is integral to Syrian regional security and that Damascus stands with the Gulf states and their peoples against cross-border militias. Speaking at the "Foundations of Regional Security" event during the Manama Dialogue 2026, الشيباني stated that Syria cannot consider its security in isolation from its regional environment, reiterating that "the security of the Arabian Gulf is part of Syria's regional security." He confirmed ongoing discussions regarding Syria's accession to the "Mecca Pact" but provided no further details on the nature or timeline of these consultations.

The "Mecca Pact" was established on August 7, 2026, through a mutual defense agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan in Mecca. Its aim is to enhance defense cooperation and joint deterrence, stipulating that an armed attack on any member state is considered an attack on all three. Turkish Foreign Minister هاكان فيدان has previously stated that the agreement is open to other countries.

الشيباني reiterated Syria's support for Gulf states in confronting cross-border militias, asserting that any weapon outside state control weakens the state itself. He highlighted Syria's experience in combating militias that contributed to its devastating 14-year war and expressed willingness to share this experience to foster regional stability. He affirmed Syria's solidarity with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, and Jordan against any aggression, stressing that Gulf stability is a natural extension of Damascus's security and that Syria works to prevent its territory from being used to threaten neighbors.

Regarding regional relations, الشيباني described Syrian-Jordanian ties as complementary, with the third meeting of their Higher Strategic Council scheduled for next month. He also noted significant cooperation with Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan on border security and smuggling prevention, emphasizing information exchange and operational coordination. He characterized Syrian-Turkish relations as distinguished and advancing politically, economically, and militarily, with military cooperation extending to Arab nations in rebuilding a national army. Syria has joined the international coalition against ISIS, and integrating armed groups in northeastern Syria into state institutions is seen as a historic step toward strengthening state authority and stability.

الشيباني stated that Syria has moved beyond conflict to actively participate in security-building, aiming to restore regional balance. He acknowledged Syria's national responsibilities and expressed hope for partners' support. Economically, he linked sustainable security to shared economies and international corridors, revealing recent discussions with the Iraqi Prime Minister to resume oil pumping via the Baniyas port as an alternative energy route. He strongly condemned missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and affirmed Syria's stance with regional countries against attacks, rejecting the use of Syrian territory for threats. Syria also supports Yemen in restoring its sovereignty and stability. He warned that ignoring the Syrian people's support over 14 years led to the spread of danger to other regions.

On the Israeli file, الشيباني reaffirmed Syria's firm stance on the Golan Heights as Syrian territory, citing UN Security Council Resolution 497. He reported over a thousand Israeli attacks in less than two years, resulting in dozens of casualties, questioning the call for border control and arms limitation while Syrian sovereignty is daily violated. He mentioned that over 3.7 million Syrians have returned home, calling it a referendum on a new Syria, and welcomed the lifting of sanctions and removal from terror lists, affirming Syria's transparent cooperation with the OPCW and IAEA. He noted that the government inherited a corrupt administrative structure and institutions designed for the previous regime, and that Syria has moved past the Caesar Act and restored parliamentary life.