On Sunday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the peaceful nature of a new defense agreement his country signed with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. He stated that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed on Friday, is open to other regional nations willing to embrace its principles of peaceful conflict resolution.
The agreement, signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to bolster security cooperation amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran.
Dar clarified the agreement’s defensive nature through a post, stating it adheres to Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, which recognizes the right to individual and collective self-defense. The stipulation declares that an armed attack on any of the three signatories is seen as an attack on all.
Pakistani officials invite other nations to join the accord if they are committed to its peaceful approach. Turkish Minister Hakan Fidan echoed Dar’s sentiments, underscoring that the agreement targets neither Iran nor any other nation.
While celebrations marked the occasion in Islamabad and Saudi cities, defense analysts cautioned that the agreement, despite its collective defense feature, should not be equated to the NATO alliance. Analyst Abdullah Khan noted the signing occurred amidst regional tension, not specifically aimed at Iran or others.
Historically, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share extensive military ties. Pakistan and Turkey have also increased their military and defense cooperation, reflecting deepening relationships.
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