Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan Sign Joint Defence Agreement

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan have signed a joint defence agreement aimed at strengthening collective security and deepening defence cooperation among the three countries.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the agreement on behalf of their respective countries on Friday.

The agreement comes amid heightened regional tensions and growing concerns over missile and drone attacks affecting oil-rich Gulf states. The three predominantly Sunni Muslim countries, all close partners of the United States, have sought to strengthen their security cooperation in response to the evolving regional security environment.

Türkiye is a member of NATO, while Saudi Arabia is a key US ally and one of the world’s leading oil exporters. Pakistan, meanwhile, is the only Muslim-majority nuclear-armed country.

The Turkish and Pakistani leaders are visiting Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The agreement was signed at Al-Safa Palace in Mecca during a meeting of the three leaders.

The talks also focused on bilateral economic relations among Riyadh, Ankara and Islamabad, their historical ties, and efforts to maintain regional military stability. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Islamic solidarity and the protection of their shared strategic interests.

In a joint statement, the three countries described the agreement as a historic “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement” and said it would contribute to collective security as well as peace and stability in the region.

The agreement is intended to strengthen deterrence against external military threats. It will also provide a framework for enhancing defence capabilities and expanding cooperation and exchanges in military technology, according to the statement.

However, the joint statement did not specify the precise commitments or obligations undertaken by each country under the agreement. It said the primary objective was to strengthen collective security and promote peace, security and stability both within the region and beyond.

A Turkish official said the agreement is defensive in nature and is not directed against any particular country.

The official also said the framework remains open to other countries in the region and does not cancel or replace any existing bilateral or multilateral defence agreements.

The agreement marks a significant step in defence cooperation among Riyadh, Ankara and Islamabad amid growing geopolitical and security tensions across the Middle East.