Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said the Makkah Defence Alliance, formed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, is aimed at strengthening regional security, improving coordination and protecting the region from the impact of conflicts and rising tensions.
He made the remarks while delivering the annual royal address on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz at the opening of the third year of the ninth session of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council.
The crown prince said the alliance was established to enhance regional stability and coordinate joint security efforts. He also thanked Saudi Arabia’s “brotherly and friendly countries” for supporting initiatives aimed at maintaining peace and security in the region.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the Makkah Mutual Defence Agreement in Makkah on August 7.
Mohammed bin Salman said recent attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council countries had demonstrated that the security of Gulf states was closely interconnected. He said Saudi Arabia was working alongside other GCC members to protect the region.
The crown prince maintained that Saudi Arabia possessed the human and military capabilities required to deter threats from any source. At the same time, he said Riyadh was continuing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions while protecting its national security.
“We will not hesitate to respond firmly to any threat or attack aimed at undermining our security,” he said.
Mohammed bin Salman also announced the formation of a multinational defensive maritime coalition, saying the initiative would strengthen maritime security and safeguard shared interests along international waterways.
He rejected the use of international sea routes as a means of applying political or economic pressure.
Turning to the global energy situation, the crown prince warned that the world was facing an energy crisis with uncertain consequences.
He said Saudi Arabia had continued to support global energy security by maintaining its ability to supply oil to international markets despite growing regional tensions.
The Saudi crown prince also condemned what he described as Israel’s “brutal attacks” on Palestinians, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and criticised repeated actions around Al-Aqsa Mosque.
He called on the international community and the Peace Council to work towards a lasting political settlement to the Palestinian issue.
Mohammed bin Salman reiterated Saudi Arabia’s position that Palestinians should be granted their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with international resolutions.
On Yemen, the crown prince reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for efforts aimed at restoring the authority of the internationally recognised Yemeni government and improving stability while addressing Houthi attacks.
He also reiterated Riyadh’s support for Sudan’s unity, sovereignty and state institutions, while calling for efforts to protect civilians and prevent further suffering caused by the ongoing conflict.
Saudi Arabia has led a coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government against the Houthis since 2015, following the group’s takeover of Sanaa and other parts of the country.
