Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed a defense agreement intended to strengthen collective deterrence and enhance defense cooperation, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. The pact was signed in Mecca on Friday during a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The agreement stipulates that an armed attack against any one of the three states will be considered an attack against all of them. This deepens cooperation between the three regional powers at a time of increasing security concerns.
Turkey possesses NATO's second-largest army and a growing defense industry, while Saudi Arabia is an oil-rich nation and Pakistan is a nuclear power. Media reports suggest the agreement could facilitate joint military exercises, technology transfers, and intelligence sharing. Saudi Arabia has been seeking to diversify its defense partnerships, particularly after its critical infrastructure and oil facilities faced attacks related to the war in Iran.
This development follows a mutual defense pact signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September, which defines an attack on either nation as an attack on both.
The signing occurred amid rising regional tensions, including those between Turkey and Israel concerning Gaza, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Iran and Lebanon. Prime Minister Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a three-day visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation including Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Beyond addressing immediate security crises, the leaders were expected to discuss expanding trade, economic ties, and broader security cooperation. Officials indicated that Sharif's visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and improve coordination on regional and international issues.