Ankara, September 01 (QNA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the Makkah Mutual Defense Pact signed by Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan would make an important contribution to peace and stability in the region and worldwide.
Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Erdogan said the pact is based on regional ownership and collective deterrence and would help advance peace and stability.
He also said the entire Middle East is paying the price for Israel's aggressive policies, noting the heavy loss of life in Lebanon and Gaza as a result of Israeli attacks.
On Turkiye's ties with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Erdogan stressed that his country would work to expand cooperation with the organization across various fields.
He noted that the organization represents 3.5 billion people and a combined GDP of USD 35 trillion, making it an essential pillar of a multipolar world order.
Erdogan added that the organization not only contributes to peace and stability but also has a role in establishing secure transport corridors and ensuring energy supplies. (QNA)