Hakan Fidan discusses Mecca Alliance and NATO Article 5

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed regional security and the Mecca Alliance during a panel on Turkey-US relations in New York. Discussing the Mecca Alliance, Fidan noted that the initiative aims for regional ownership and cooperation, stating that while it has taken time to convince countries of its importance, the door remains open for others to join once the structure is institutionalized.

Responding to questions regarding whether Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia serve as a test for the Mecca Alliance, Fidan challenged former US Ambassador James Jeffrey on the practical application of NATO’s Article 5. Fidan argued against using the Yemen crisis to criticize new defense alliances, noting that critics often label such structures as ineffective before they have had time to mature.

Fidan also participated in a multilateral meeting with foreign ministers from Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. A joint statement from the meeting emphasized Saudi Arabia's right to self-defense under international law following Houthi attacks and stressed the importance of maintaining maritime security and regional dialogue.