Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye Sign Joint Defence Agreement

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed a joint defence agreement on Friday to strengthen security cooperation as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the agreement states that any armed attack on one of the three countries will be treated as an attack on all of them.

The agreement comes as regional countries increase security cooperation following the US-Israel war on Iran, which began on February 28. The conflict has affected several Gulf countries and disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has carried out attacks on countries hosting US military bases and has warned regional states not to allow their territory or facilities to be used for attacks against Tehran.

Pakistan has been working to promote dialogue and help reduce tensions between the United States and Iran.

On Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Makkah. The meeting took place at Qasr al-Safa and was attended by senior officials from both sides.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the leaders discussed bilateral relations and regional developments.

The Foreign Office said the visit is important for promoting regional peace, diplomatic cooperation and a shared strategy for stability.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Jeddah on Friday, where he is expected to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had already signed a mutual defence agreement last year, agreeing that any attack on one country would be considered an attack on both.

Last month, Pakistan also reaffirmed its full support for Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity after Houthi attacks on the Kingdom.

The Houthis in Yemen have increased pressure on Gulf countries by threatening shipping in the Red Sea, adding to concerns caused by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.