Tehran not concerned over Bangladesh’s decision on Mecca Defence Pact: Iranian envoy

Tehran does not view the recently signed ‘Mecca Defence Pact’ between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan as an initiative directed against Iran. At the same time, Iran is not concerned about Dhaka’s decision regarding Bangladesh’s possible participation in the pact, Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi said.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after paying a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs State Minister Humayun Kabir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday (September 2).

The ambassador said, “We do not consider the Mecca Peace Pact an initiative against Iran. We are also not concerned about Bangladesh’s decision.”

Regarding Bangladesh’s foreign policy, Jahanabadi said Tehran is aware of Dhaka’s balanced position in international relations.
“We know very well that your government is pursuing a highly balanced foreign policy,” he said, adding that Bangladesh’s decisions concerning international and security relations would not be a cause for concern for Iran.

Highlighting Tehran’s importance attached to Bangladesh-Iran relations, the ambassador said Iran is interested in expanding cooperation between the two countries in the political, commercial and cultural spheres.

During the meeting, State Minister Humayun Kabir expressed the hope that regional tensions in the Middle East would end swiftly and that lasting peace and stability would be established, in the interests not only of the people of the region but also of those beyond it.

The Iranian ambassador said, “Recent developments in regional security have demonstrated that countries are placing greater emphasis on relying on one another for their security rather than depending on the United States.”

“Regional countries are trying to stand on their own feet to ensure their security, and peace agreements are good evidence of this. It demonstrates that they no longer want to depend on America for their security,” he said.

Referring to the experience of recent conflicts, Jahanabadi said, “The presence of US military bases in Middle Eastern countries cannot guarantee their security. Therefore, instead of relying on external powers, countries should take responsibility for their own security.”

He also said initiatives to establish regional security mechanisms reflected a broader aspiration for greater strategic independence.
Asked about the security arrangements involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region, the ambassador said Iran does not view such initiatives as a threat to its relations with neighbouring and regional countries.

Rather, he said, regional countries should be able to cooperate on security among themselves without creating conflicts with others.
Earlier, on Sunday, State Minister Humayun Kabir had said that Bangladesh saw no risk in joining the Mecca Defence Pact. Instead, in light of the country’s longstanding experience and expertise in promoting international peace and stability, Dhaka viewed the initiative as a “unique” new opportunity.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye signed the ‘Mecca Joint Defence Pact’ on August 7. Under the agreement, an armed attack on any one of the three countries will be considered an attack on all three.