Iran on Wednesday said it does not view the "Mecca Pact" involving Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan something against Tehran and Bangladesh’s decision does not create concerns for them.
"We don't regard Mecca Peace Pact against Iran. Their (Bangladesh) decision does not make us concerned," Ambassador of Iran to Bangladesh Dr. Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi told reporters after his courtesy meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, reports UNB.
On Bangladesh’s foreign policy, the Ambassador said Dhaka’s balanced approach to international relations was well understood by Tehran.
“When it comes to the foreign policy of your government, we are well aware that your government is enjoying a very balanced foreign policy,” he said.
The envoy said Bangladesh’s decisions regarding its international and security relations would not create concern for Iran.
The Ambassador said Iran values its relations with Bangladesh and is interested in further expanding cooperation in political, trade and cultural fields.
“Peace Pact is good evidence that regional countries and members are trying to stand on their own feet for providing their security. It proves that they no longer want to rely on America for their security,” the Ambassador said.
Referring to the recent developments in regional security, the Iranian envoy said the experience of the recent war has made it clear that the presence of US military bases in regional countries could not necessarily guarantee their security.
The Ambassador said regional countries should increasingly take responsibility for their own security rather than depending on external powers.
“Regional countries should rely on themselves for their security,” he said, adding that efforts to establish regional security mechanisms reflected a desire for greater strategic independence.
Asked about security arrangements involving countries in the region, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the Ambassador said Iran does not view such developments as a threat to its relations with neighboring and regional countries.
He said Iran maintained its position that regional countries should be able to cooperate on security without creating confrontation with others.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Bangladesh Humaiun Kobir on Wednesday expressed Bangladesh’s firm optimism for an early end to tensions in Middle East, stressing the need for lasting peace and stability for the wellbeing of people within and beyond the region.
He made the remarks when Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi paid a courtesy call on him, according to a foreign ministry press release.
During the meeting, the state minister and the Iranian envoy discussed issues of mutual interest.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, or the “Mecca Pact,” was officially signed on August 7, 2026, with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye being its partners so far.
Bangladesh has not yet received any formal invitation to join the pact.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday said Bangladesh is assessing the situation regarding the "Mecca Pact" involving Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan before deciding whether to join the alliance if invited.
“We are assessing the situation regarding participation in the Mecca Pact. Bangladesh’s interests will be considered first before joining the alliance,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
FP/A
