Riyadh Signs Historic Defence Pact with Turkey and Pakistan

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed a joint defence agreement at Al-Safa Palace in Mecca. The pact, known as the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, commits to collective deterrence against any act of aggression and regards an armed attack against one of the three states as an attack against all.

The agreement was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Turkey's officials added that the pact would extend to shared defensive capability development, military exercises, and personnel training.

The signing of this agreement comes against the backdrop of a war between the US, Israel, and Iran, which has led to repeated attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts believe that Riyadh is building layered security rather than relying solely on the US for protection.

The three countries bring different strengths to the agreement: Saudi Arabia contributes capital and diplomatic weight; Turkey brings its Nato membership and military capabilities; and Pakistan contributes a nuclear arsenal and combat experience.