DID Press: Türkiye’s parliament has approved a trilateral defence agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, aimed at strengthening military cooperation and establishing a framework for mutual defence among the three countries.
The agreement, known as the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, is based on the principle that an armed attack against any one of the three signatories would be treated as an attack against all. It reflects efforts by the three countries to expand security cooperation and strengthen their positions in regional affairs.
According to EU Reporter, Saudi Arabia is seeking security guarantees beyond its traditional reliance on Washington through the partnership. Türkiye, meanwhile, is looking to expand its military influence and strengthen its strategic autonomy in foreign policy.
Pakistan hopes to use its military capabilities and nuclear status to enhance its geopolitical standing in the Muslim world.The agreement comes as Pakistan faces an internal security crisis, an increase in attacks by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and border tensions with Afghanistan.
Recent Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan and disagreements over the activities of armed groups have further strained relations between Islamabad and the Taliban administration.At the regional level, India, Pakistan’s traditional rival, is also monitoring developments surrounding the agreement.
Türkiye’s participation as a NATO member in a defence pact with Pakistan, a nuclear-armed country outside the alliance, has raised questions about the potential security implications for NATO and Europe.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has also defended Ankara’s independent and multidimensional foreign policy in an interview with Newsweek, saying Türkiye should not be forced to choose between the East and the West.
The agreement could contribute to expanding military and security competition in the region. Saudi Arabia’s efforts to reduce its dependence on Washington, Türkiye’s military ambitions and Pakistan’s desire to strengthen its regional position bring together three different strategic motivations.
However, existing disagreements and foreign policy challenges facing the three countries could create new tensions rather than strengthen regional stability.