Erdogan: Friendly Countries Can Join Türkiye-Saudi-Pakistan Defense Pact

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said other friendly countries seeking peace, prosperity and regional stability can also join the Mecca Joint Defense Pact signed by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

In a post on social media on Friday (August 7), Erdogan said the agreement was not directed against any country and remained open to other friendly nations committed to regional peace and stability.

He said the pact, based on the principle of joint deterrence, would strengthen defense and security cooperation among the three countries, joint defense industry projects and counterterrorism efforts. It also reaffirms the right to self-defense recognized under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. He held meetings with Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after which the three countries signed the joint defense agreement.

Under the pact, an armed attack on any one of the three countries will be considered an attack on all three. The agreement aims to strengthen joint deterrence against potential aggression.

The pact also includes greater cooperation in the defense industry, coordination of military capabilities and mutual defense assistance.