Ankara:Türkiye has submitted a bill to its parliament seeking approval of a joint defense agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The bill, featuring three articles, was introduced with the signature of Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus and pertains to the Mecca Agreement on Joint Defense, signed by the three nations on August 7, 2026.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the agreement aims to enhance strategic dialogue and cooperation based on mutual trust among the regional countries. It proposes to establish a security framework centered on cooperation and collective deterrence in the Middle East and beyond, while also developing regional solutions to security challenges. The memorandum attached to the bill highlights the potential socioeconomic benefits of deterring aggression and achieving regional stability in the medium and long term.
The agreement stipulates that Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia will cooperate to protect each other's independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. They also commit to supporting each other in exercising the right to self-defense under the UN Charter, with actions subject to each country's constitutional obligations and national laws. The memorandum clarifies that any collective defense measures would be agreed upon through mutual consultations among the parties rather than being automatically triggered.
The agreement focuses on enhancing collective deterrence against threats assessed by the three countries as affecting their security, including terrorism. It seeks to improve interoperability, cooperation, and coordination among their armed forces and deepen defense industry cooperation. The memorandum emphasizes that the agreement is defensive in nature, targets no country, and aligns with NATO's Euro-Atlantic security objectives, ensuring Türkiye's obligations to NATO remain unaffected.
Open to regional countries that respect international law and seek to contribute to peace and stability, the agreement is anticipated to strengthen Türkiye's defense and security relations with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The bill is currently under review by parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, which will decide whether it proceeds to the General Assembly for further discussion.