Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan Form Joint Defence Pact Amid Regional Turmoil

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed a joint defence agreement in Mecca, aimed at strengthening collective deterrence against any act of aggression. The pact follows nearly a year of negotiations and is seen as a response to regional turmoil, particularly the increasing aggressive military stances of Israel and revolutionary Shi'ite Iran.

The agreement stipulates that an armed attack against any of the three countries would be regarded as an attack on all. This means that if one country is attacked, the other two will come to its defence. The pact builds on longstanding bilateral military ties among the three countries, with Pakistan and Turkey bringing strong defence industries to the table.

The conflict in the Middle East has been escalating for nearly three years, with almost every country experiencing cross-border attacks or missile fire. Saudi Arabia has been particularly affected, with its oil exports imperiled by the conflict. The agreement is seen as a way to strengthen the collective security and promote peace, security, and stability in the region.