Syrian Foreign Minister: We Are Holding Discussions on Joining the 'Mecca Alliance'
Press coverage 1 newspapers covered this event: Al-Jarida →
Syrian Foreign Minister confirms Damascus's efforts to join the Mecca Alliance to enhance Gulf security.
Translated by Qiyas from سرمد — Original source
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani said on Saturday that Syria seeks to enhance its cooperation with Gulf states in political, military, and security fields, emphasizing that the security and stability of the Gulf are an integral part of Syria’s security, and that Damascus does not accept these countries being subjected to attacks without taking a stance. He also pointed to discussions regarding Syria’s potential membership in the “Mecca Pact” or other security frameworks that serve the same purpose.
In remarks to Bloomberg East on the sidelines of the “Manama Dialogue 2026,” al-Shaybani added that Syria is a reliable partner for Gulf states and will not withhold from its brothers whatever it can offer within the framework of international norms and laws, and within the limits of its capabilities, even though it is still in a recovery phase after a 14-year war, as he put it.
He stated in this regard: “We do not accept that attacks occur against Gulf states while Syria stands by as a bystander.”
Al-Shaybani considered that a stable Syria also serves as a stabilizing factor for the Gulf, noting that discussions are underway regarding Syria’s integration into a regional security and defense framework with Gulf states, clarifying that these consultations concern the “Mecca Pact” or other security systems that achieve the same objective.
He further assessed that, following its liberation, Syria has provided a significant service to the region, as its stability and engagement with neighboring countries constitute a positive factor in strengthening relations.
