Turkish Committee Approves Defense Pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

A Turkish parliamentary committee has approved a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, a move that comes amid growing tensions between Riyadh and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The agreement, known as the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, commits the three nations to considering an armed attack against one as an attack on all three.

The foreign affairs committee approved the 16-article pact with the support of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party and its allies, overcoming objections from the opposition. The agreement now proceeds to the full assembly for further debate and a vote, though a date has not yet been set.

This defense pact also establishes a framework for military cooperation, joint weapons production, technology transfers, and intelligence sharing among the signatory nations. It is set to remain in effect for 10 years, according to details published by Turkish state media.

Ministers from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have convened twice previously, in Istanbul and Riyadh, while high-level delegations from the three countries met in Tehran on Monday to discuss efforts to prevent renewed fighting in the Iran war.

Turkish government officials have indicated that while military support for Saudi Arabia is under consideration, the agreement is purely defensive. They emphasized that no Turkish troops would be deployed to fight in Yemen or to engage the Houthis.

Fuat Oktay, a legislator from the ruling Justice and Development Party who chairs the committee, advocated for the pact's approval, stating its purpose is to enhance deterrence and cooperation without targeting any other nations, thereby contributing to regional peace and stability. "The agreements our country has signed and to which it is a party are not intended for aggression, expansionism, or the formation of a bloc against third countries," Oktay said. "On the contrary, our nation is a party to defense agreements aimed at strengthening deterrence, fortifying our region and fostering peace and stability."

However, opposition parties voiced concerns that the agreement could potentially expose Turkish soldiers to danger and draw the country into foreign conflicts. Semra Caglar Gokalp of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party questioned whether the pact would truly enhance security or create new obligations that entangle Turkey in the wars of other nations. She also raised concerns about Turkey's potential responsibilities in the face of challenges like the conflicts between Pakistan and India and tensions along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan.

The opposition has also criticized the timing of the parties' meetings, which occurred before parliamentary ratification of the defense agreement.