Islamabad: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday praised US President Donald Trump for his 'kind words of support' following the signing of the trilateral defense pact between Trkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. 'Deeply appreciate' Trump's statement on the signing of the defense agreement in Mecca, Sharif said in a statement on US social media platform X.

According to Anadolu Agency, Sharif emphasized that the pact, signed on August 7, 'will continue to play a constructive role in ensuring the defense of our own countries as well as the entire region.' He further highlighted the importance of durable peace as the most essential prerequisite for a bright and prosperous future for the people of the involved nations.

President Trump, in his statement on his Truth Social platform, expressed his happiness over the signing of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. He described the pact as 'a big, bold, and important first step,' congratulating the 'great leadership' of Saudi Arabia, Trkiye, and Pakistan. Trump noted that the agreement signifies how the Middle East is coming together, enabling countries to defend themselves in a more meaningful way.