Bangladesh signals openness to joining Makkah pact

Bangladesh has signalled that it is open to joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, as Dhaka seeks to expand its strategic partnerships while keeping national interests at the centre of its foreign policy, it emerged on Saturday, according to state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). "Bangladesh maintains a positive approach towards the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, taking into account its own interests and the changing dynamics of the global economy and trade, said Bangladesh Prime Minister's Adviser for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir. Kobir said Bangladesh was pursuing a balanced foreign policy under its "Bangladesh First" approach in the international arena, with national interests at its core. "Bangladesh is strengthening its working bilateral relationship with Pakistan as part of normal diplomatic engagement, with a focus on trade and bilateral people-to-people connectivity," he said. Kobir said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to Riyadh, at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, was likely to be finalised soon after the summer. The remarks come just over two weeks after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Makkah on August 7. Under the pact, an armed attack against any one of the three signatories is to be regarded as an attack against all three. The agreement also envisages broader defence cooperation and collective deterrence. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has described the arrangement as technically similar to NATO's Article 5 mutual-defence provision, while stressing that it is not directed against Iran or any other country. Ankara has also indicated that the framework could be expanded to include other regional countries, with Egypt previously identified as a potential participant. Pakistan has similarly said the agreement remains defensive in nature and is open to countries willing to uphold its principles. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the pact does not replace existing bilateral or multilateral arrangements and is open to countries committed to cooperation, mutual respect and peaceful resolution of differences.