MAKKAH (MNN); Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on Friday signed a landmark Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, committing themselves to collective security under which any armed attack on one member state will be treated as an attack against all three.
The agreement was signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence held at Al-Safa Palace.
According to a joint statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office and Saudi Arabia’s official SPA news agency, the pact reflects the three countries’ shared commitment to strengthening collective security, promoting regional peace and stability, and enhancing defence cooperation across all sectors.
The agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence against external aggression and expands defence collaboration in military coordination, strategic planning, training, and security cooperation while building on the longstanding brotherly relations and shared strategic interests among the three nations.
The signing ceremony was attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, as well as the defence and foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the agreement as a “historic pact” and a “shield of peace” that would strengthen security, stability and prosperity for future generations. In a post on X, he said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye were united by faith, friendship and a common commitment to peace. He also acknowledged the efforts of Field Marshal Asim Munir in finalising the agreement.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar termed the signing a “historic day” for Pakistan, saying the agreement reflects growing international recognition of Pakistan’s defence capabilities and elevates strategic cooperation among the three brotherly countries. He stressed that the pact is intended as a deterrent for peace rather than an instrument of aggression.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the agreement represents a major milestone in defence cooperation and demonstrates the collective political will of the three countries to address regional security challenges, strengthen stability and promote sustainable development.
Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly clarified that the agreement does not constitute a military alliance, sectarian bloc or nuclear arrangement. He said it neither threatens any regional country nor replaces existing bilateral or multilateral defence agreements, but instead focuses on building sustainable security capabilities.
Strategic analysts believe the partnership combines Pakistan’s military expertise, Türkiye’s advanced defence industry and Saudi Arabia’s financial and technological resources, significantly enhancing the three countries’ collective defence capabilities.
The agreement comes amid heightened regional tensions following the US-Iran conflict, instability in the Red Sea and growing security concerns across the Middle East. Pakistan has supported Saudi-led efforts to safeguard maritime routes, while all three countries have continued diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting regional peace.
Earlier in the day, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman separately met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Erdogan. The Pakistani delegation also performed Umrah at the Holy Kaaba before the summit.
