Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz: Mecca Agreement is not an alternative to NATO

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz made assessments regarding the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Speaking on a live broadcast on CNN Türk, Yılmaz stated that the agreement is not a "structure formed against anyone," adding that the primary goal is to increase deterrence and contribute to regional stability.

Yılmaz expressed that regional cooperation gains more importance during periods when the global order weakens and geopolitical tensions rise. Emphasizing that Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan possess complementary capabilities, Yılmaz pointed to Pakistan's nuclear power and strategic location, Saudi Arabia's weight in energy and finance, and Turkey's industry, defense industry, institutional experience, and geographical location.

Stating that he does not agree with the international press defining the agreement as an "Islamic NATO" or a "Sunni alliance," Yılmaz said, "One should look at it by its name. This is the Mecca Agreement and it is a regional security agreement."

EMPHASIS ON EXPANSION AND DEFENSE INDUSTRY

Yılmaz underlined that the agreement is not an alternative to NATO or any alliance that Turkey is a part of. "This is not an alternative structure to NATO or any alliance we are currently in," Yılmaz said, adding that the mechanism carries a deterrent quality against risks that may arise from anywhere.

Yılmaz also stated that the agreement should not be viewed as a structure against Iran, expressing that the goal is to strengthen regional peace and stability. Regarding the question of whether Egypt will be included in the agreement, Yılmaz noted that the structure is open to new participants, but the joint stance of the three countries will guide the course of expansion.

Noting that security cooperation will also strengthen economic relations, Yılmaz said that Turkey is both developing its own defense industry and economy and diversifying its alliances. Stating that friendly and allied countries could be included in the process for large-scale projects such as the national combat aircraft KAAN, Yılmaz pointed to the importance of joint platforms in high-cost defense projects.

Yılmaz stated that the cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia could also have positive reflections on regional files such as Syria and Iraq. Saying that the stability of Syria is directly linked to the stability of Turkey, Yılmaz expressed that an increase in prosperity and security in neighboring countries would also yield positive results for Turkey.