Turkey’s parliament ratifies Mecca pact in boost to Saudi Arabia

ANKARA — Turkey’s parliament ratified the Mecca defense agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, as Ankara weighs the scope of its military support for Riyadh amid ongoing Iran-backed Houthi attacks on the kingdom.

Under the pact signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Aug. 7, an armed attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

Ratification clears a hurdle for Turkey to deploy troops to Saudi Arabia amid the Houthi attacks, but any Turkish deployment is likely to be limited to training, advisory services and supplying military equipment rather than a large troop contingent.

Defense Minister Yasar Guler said on Oct. 23 that the scope of potential support for Saudi Arabia would be determined after ratification.

Adding that the primary aim of any potential Turkish military support for Saudi Arabia “would be to strengthen deterrence,” Guler said, “We absolutely do not foresee entering into any conflict with the Houthis.” 

“Our priority is to prevent new tensions from emerging in the region and contribute to security and stability.”

The escalation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia since early October has renewed scrutiny of the agreement and prompted the three countries to step up efforts to implement it.

Senior officials from the three countries held emergency talks in Riyadh on Oct. 5, agreeing “to take the necessary measures to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in the kingdom.”

Saudi Arabia leads a military coalition that intervened in Yemen’s civil war in 2015 to support the internationally recognized government against the Houthis. The coalition launched a fresh offensive against the Iran-backed group on Oct. 4 amid deadly Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi airports and energy infrastructure.