Makkah Al-Mukarramah, 07 August 2026 (APP/Anadolu)

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, marking a significant step toward strengthening their strategic partnership and enhancing regional security cooperation. The agreement was concluded during the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence, held at Al-Safa Palace in Saudi Arabia.

The landmark pact was signed by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The summit was hosted by Saudi Arabia following an invitation from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

According to official statements released after the summit, the agreement reflects the three nations' shared commitment to strengthening collective security, expanding defence cooperation and promoting long-term peace and stability across the region and beyond. It builds on the longstanding historical ties, strategic partnerships and shared cultural and religious bonds among the participating countries.

One of the agreement's key provisions states that an armed attack against any one of the three member states will be regarded as an attack against all, reinforcing the principle of collective deterrence. The pact also outlines broader defence cooperation, including enhanced military coordination, defence industry collaboration, intelligence sharing and improved interoperability between their armed forces.

Pakistan's Foreign Office described the agreement as a reflection of the three countries' common vision for a secure and prosperous future. The statement emphasized that the leaders were guided by their historic friendship, Islamic solidarity and mutual strategic interests while reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding regional peace and security.

Prior to the signing ceremony, the three leaders held high-level discussions covering bilateral and trilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern. The meeting underscored the growing importance of cooperation among the three countries in addressing evolving security challenges.

Turkish officials highlighted that the agreement is entirely defensive in nature and is not directed against any specific country. They stressed that the initiative aims to promote regional stability through greater cooperation, burden-sharing and a common security approach. Officials further noted that the pact complements existing international alliances rather than replacing them and remains consistent with Türkiye's international commitments.

The agreement also leaves the door open for participation by other friendly regional countries that share the objectives of peace, stability and prosperity. Turkish authorities described the initiative as a constructive framework designed to strengthen collective security while maintaining dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means of resolving disputes.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed that the agreement targets no country and is intended to enhance cooperation in defence, counterterrorism and joint defence industry projects. He also reiterated Türkiye's continued commitment to resolving regional conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law.

Officials from Türkiye characterized the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a historic milestone that contributes to reshaping the regional security architecture. They emphasized that the arrangement seeks to establish a stronger collective response to emerging security threats while promoting peace, stability and sustainable development throughout the region.

The signing of the agreement represents a new chapter in strategic cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, highlighting their shared commitment to closer defence coordination, stronger partnerships and collective efforts to address future security challenges.