Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye seal key defence pact

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have signed a landmark joint defence agreement in Makkah, marking a significant new chapter in security cooperation among the three countries.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan described the agreement as an important milestone for the three nations, saying it reflects their shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity. His remarks came after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the pact.

The agreement, known as the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, aims to strengthen collective security and deepen defence coordination between the three countries. Recent reports say the pact treats an armed attack against one of the signatories as an attack against all, establishing a stronger framework for mutual defence.

In his statement, Prince Faisal said the agreement underscores the brotherly relations connecting Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye. He added that closer defence cooperation would help the countries respond to shared threats that could affect regional security and stability.

The Saudi foreign minister said the pact represents a joint political commitment to protecting security and stability while supporting a safer regional environment. He also linked greater stability with opportunities for development, economic growth and prosperity.

The agreement comes at a time of heightened tensions across the region, giving the new partnership added strategic significance. Analysts have described the pact as a major development in the security relationship among three influential Muslim-majority countries.

Turkish President Erdogan has stressed that the agreement is not directed against any particular country and could remain open to other friendly states, signalling that the framework may evolve further.

For Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, the agreement could pave the way for deeper military coordination and closer strategic ties, while its broader impact on regional security is likely to draw considerable attention in the months ahead.