MEA Reacts to Bangladesh Interest in Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey Defence Pact
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Bangladesh on Friday expressed its keen interest in joining the Mecca Pact, “taking into account its own interests and the changing dynamics of the global economy and trade,” according to a close aide of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, media reported.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the joint defence pact in Mecca.
Three nations have formally committed to treat “an armed attack against any one of the three countries as an attack against them all”.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir told Bangladesh Sangbad Sanstha “Bangladesh maintains a positive approach towards the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, taking into account its own interests and the changing dynamics of the global economy and trade.”
It added another layer to ongoing tension between Dhaka and New Delhi.
Kabir stated that Bangladesh Prime Minister’s visit to Riyadh, at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince, was likely to be finalised soon after the summer.
“At the same time, 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 added.
The pact was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Mecca.
A joint statement announced a “shared commitment to further strengthening their collective security and to promoting peace, security and stability in the region and beyond”.
India Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that India was closely following developments in West Asia.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We continue to closely follow developments that are happening in West Asia. This is what I have to say at this point in time” when asked about reports that Bangladesh is keen to join the recently signed Mecca Defence Pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Kabir also spoke about why Tarique Rahman’s visit to India is not “justified” at this point.
“Bangladesh maintains a positive approach towards the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, taking into account its own interests and the changing dynamics of the global economy and trade,” he said.
Foreign Affairs Adviser stated that after various developments, a bilateral visit to India is unlikely.
“There is no justification for rushing into a top-level visit by going beyond the national interest,” he added.
