“Discussions are currently underway to evaluate Syria’s entry into the Mecca alliance,” al-Shaibani said during a regional security session at the IISS Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain.
Damascus is examining membership as it seeks to develop joint deterrence systems, although it has not submitted a formal application and no timetable for a decision has been announced.
Syria first publicly disclosed its interest in the alliance in late August during al-Shaibani’s visit to Islamabad, the first by a Syrian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly two decades.
During that trip, al-Shaibani said Damascus had reviewed the agreement but had not reached a decision on joining. He described the alliance’s three founding members as important regional powers and cited Turkey as a key partner in Syria’s reconstruction and security.
Interest in Syria’s potential participation received renewed attention after President Ahmed al-Sharaa traveled to Riyadh on Oct. 6 for talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Damascus sought to strengthen relations with Arab countries.
Syrian officials subsequently rejected reports that Damascus could provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia, saying any cooperation would be conducted through established bilateral channels.
The Syrian government has maintained close diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia and Turkey since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Both countries are key backers of the government led by al-Sharaa.
Other countries have also shown varying degrees of interest in the Mecca Defence Alliance. Bangladesh has expressed interest, while Egypt has been identified as another potential participant.
