Key facts
- Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed a joint defense agreement in Mecca.
- The pact establishes collective deterrence against aggression.
- The agreement is open to other regional countries seeking peace and stability.
- An Iranian lawmaker criticized the pact, stating it would not bring security to Saudi Arabia.
- Turkey affirmed the pact aligns with its NATO commitments.
- The OIC and former Qatari PM welcomed the agreement.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have signed a joint defense agreement in Mecca, establishing collective deterrence against aggression amid escalating regional tensions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement is open to the participation of "other friendly nations" seeking peace, prosperity, and stability in the region. The pact reaffirms the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and does not target any specific country, according to Erdogan.
An Iranian lawmaker criticized the new pact, stating it would not bring security to Saudi Arabia and that Riyadh should focus on changing its policies. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi praised Iran's military strength and called for Muslim unity. Turkey has stated that the agreement aligns with its NATO commitments.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, and several other Arab nations and organizations have welcomed the pact, viewing it as a strategic partnership. Saudi Arabia illuminated landmarks with the flags of Turkey and Pakistan to celebrate the new joint defense pact.