State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir today said Bangladesh sees no risk in joining the Mecca Defence Pact and it would not restrict Bangladesh’s engagement with other partners. Kobir emphasized that this is a unique pact that presents new opportunities. He made these remarks after a meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah at the foreign ministry. Bangladesh views the proposed pact positively and is currently holding constructive discussions on this matter with all bilateral partners.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, also known as the “Mecca Pact,” was officially signed on August 7, 2026, with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey as its initial partners. When asked about the possible risks Bangladesh might face if it joined the security arrangement, Kobir said Dhaka would pursue an integrated and flexible foreign and security policy while maintaining balance in its international relations.
Kobir explained that a country like Bangladesh must approach foreign policy and security cooperation in a highly integrated and flexible manner, aligned with the dynamics of the current international political system. He assured that Bangladesh’s possible entry into the defence alliance would pose no risk. Engaging in one particular sphere of cooperation amidst the current volatile and crisis-driven international political environment would neither limit Bangladesh’s foreign policy options nor prevent it from cooperating with other alliances or partners.
The state minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to international peace, stating that Dhaka would continue to engage wherever its experience and expertise could contribute to peace and stability. Kobir held a series of bilateral meetings last week, including with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and other senior officials during his visit to Jeddah to join the OIC’s 23rd Extraordinary Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM). He confirmed that the proposed pact had figured in his discussions in Jeddah, and the response from his interlocutors was “positive, very positive.”
Kobir mentioned that Bangladesh was yet to receive a formal invitation to join the pact. However, he assured that when a formal invitation is extended, the government would inform the public. Bangladesh’s positive attitude towards the pact is led by its longstanding role in the United Nations peacekeeping campaign and its internationally recognized experience in security operations. As one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping, Bangladesh has extensive experience and expertise in this area.
Approaching such an initiative with a positive spirit to help address challenges facing the Muslim world is seen as beneficial, especially given Saudi Arabia’s role as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Kobir expressed optimism about the constructive discussions and the potential for stronger and more productive relations with countries in the Middle East. His meeting with the Saudi foreign minister was described as “very fruitful,” with discussions also covering trade, investment, and potential defence cooperation.
