Islamabad, August 21 (QNA) - Syria is considering joining the Mecca Agreement for Joint Defense but has not yet issued a final decision, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shaibani confirmed today, indicating that his country will make its decision on this matter at a later date.
The official Syrian news channel quoted Al Shaibani's remarks during his official visit to Islamabad, in which he stressed Syria's rejection of any Israeli dictates regarding its alliances, adding that his country is sovereign and that Israel should not dictate to Damascus its alliances or partnerships.
Al Shaibani indicated that it is still too early to discuss any strategic agreement, noting that Syria's first priority is to stop Israeli attacks.
On another note, he explained that Damascus and Islamabad agreed to reactivate the joint ministerial committee, continue direct flights, establish a business council, and organize an investment forum.
He affirmed that both sides share the same vision and aspire to elevate bilateral relations to the highest level, emphasizing that his country's new foreign policy focuses on reconstruction, economic cooperation, and building stronger ties with regional and international partners.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed the "Mecca Agreement for Joint Defense" on August 7th during a trilateral summit held in Mecca.
The joint statement issued after the summit indicated that the "Mecca Agreement for Joint Defense" aims to enhance joint deterrence against any aggression and stipulates that any armed attack on any of the three countries is considered an attack on all three. The agreement also aims to develop all aspects of defense cooperation among them. (QNA)