Turkey moves closer to Saudi troop deployment as parliament approves Mecca defence pact

The Turkish parliament passed a law approving the Mecca defence pact early on Friday, completing a crucial stage in the legal process.

The bill was endorsed by 279 MPs, with 119 voting against it. It was primarily supported by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its coalition partner, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). However, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), a nominal opposition party, also backed the move.

Following the ouster of its leader through a court order, the CHP has split into two camps, and its new leadership is increasingly aligned with the Turkish government’s views.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to publish the law in the Official Gazette later this week, bringing it into force.