With shared values, strategic partnership and an aspiration for regional peace in its backdrop, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Türkiye, the three countries announce the signing of the “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement”.
The reaching of this Agreement exhibits the depth of the brotherly relations between the leaders of the three countries and their commitment to not only contribute to their own security and defence but to maintain and strengthen security, stability, and prosperity for the peoples of the wider region and the world.
The signing of the “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement” by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Türkiye is the culmination of years of discussions and coordination efforts, stemming from a shared desire to establish a foundation to unify their efforts to confront security challenges and military threats, and is guided by the principle of regional ownership.
The “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement” enables the three countries to work on developing and integrating their defence capabilities to jointly address and deter any threat to the security and safety of their territories. This Agreement does not abrogate or replace any bilateral or multilateral agreements between these countries, or with other countries or organisations.
The historic milestone includes a provision of joint defence against any external armed attack on any of the three countries. It confirms their mutual commitment to their safety, security and territorial integrity. This commitment is based on the right of individual and collective self-defence pursuant to Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations.
Background and objectives
This agreement is not directed against any specific country or alliance; rather, it has been concluded to strengthen peace, stability and defence cooperation in the region. Its primary objective is to discourage war, reduce tensions and make joint defence capabilities more effective.
Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have maintained relations for several decades. Pakistan and Türkiye’s ties date back to the Khilafat Movement, while defence, political, economic and religious cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has always been exceptionally strong. The recent agreement gives these historic relations a formal legal and institutional framework.
Under the agreement, cooperation in defence, joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, defence industry collaboration, modern technology, counterterrorism, cybersecurity and various areas related to regional security will be further expanded.
Within this partnership, Pakistan’s professional and experienced armed forces, Saudi Arabia’s economic strength, strategic position and leadership, and Türkiye’s advanced defence industry and technology will further enhance one another’s capabilities, creating a balanced defence framework in the region.
Diplomatic circles say that Pakistan has played a diplomatic role in various conflicts in the Middle East in recent months, following which its regional importance has further increased. This defence agreement will take the strategic partnership between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to new heights.
Sources have clarified that it would not be correct to describe this agreement as a “Muslim NATO,” as it is not the formation of a military bloc or an aggressive alliance. Rather, it is a non-aggressive framework aimed at strengthening collective security, regional stability, defence self-reliance and mutual cooperation, with the objective of ensuring peace, stability and development in the region.
Also Read: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye sign joint defence pact
