Baghdad: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has affirmed that the Mecca Pact for Joint Defense will play a pivotal role in promoting peace and stability both regionally and globally. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s commitment to conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, highlighting the significant contribution of the Mecca Pact, established by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, towards this goal.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s intention to strengthen its ties with the SCO and broaden areas of cooperation. He expressed Ankara’s dedication to enhancing collaboration with the organization, which he described as a “rising star” on the global stage. Erdogan recognized the demographic and economic significance of the SCO, which encompasses around 3.5 billion people and boasts a combined GDP of approximately $35 trillion, considering it an essential element in the multipolar world order.

Erdogan underscored the strategic importance of the SCO beyond its peace and stability roles, highlighting secure transport corridors and energy security. He stated Turkey’s commitment to bolstering cooperation with the SCO in these domains. Additionally, Erdogan expressed Turkey’s ambition to align the “Middle Corridor” across the Caspian Sea with the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to enhance connectivity and economic collaboration among nations along these trade and transport routes.

Addressing climate change, the Turkish president stressed his country’s commitment to addressing its adverse impacts and expressed Turkey’s readiness to host the COP31 climate summit in Antalya this November.