MAKKAH, August 7, 2026: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have signed a trilateral defence agreement establishing that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be treated as an attack against all.
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah following a trilateral security summit.
The agreement seeks to strengthen collective defence, expand military and security cooperation and enhance joint deterrence amid growing regional tensions and changing security threats.
President Erdoğan’s visit and the planned signing of the trilateral agreement were also announced by Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications.
Armed Attack on One to Trigger Collective Response
Under the agreement, an armed attack against Pakistan, Saudi Arabia or Türkiye will be considered an attack against all three signatories.
The provision extends the principle of collective defence across the three countries and is intended to raise the cost of external aggression through coordinated deterrence.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had adopted a similar mutual-defence provision in their bilateral Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed in September 2025, which stated that aggression against either country would be considered aggression against both.
The new Makkah agreement brings Türkiye into a broader trilateral framework covering security, defence coordination and cooperation against shared threats.
Leaders Hold Defence Summit at Al-Safa Palace
Mohammed bin Salman received Erdoğan and Shehbaz Sharif at Al-Safa Palace before the three leaders attended the Makkah Joint Defence Summit.
The talks covered longstanding relations, regional security, defence cooperation and issues of mutual interest.
The three leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening historic ties, shared strategic interests and existing military cooperation.
They also agreed to expand defence relations across multiple areas and improve coordination between the armed forces and security institutions of the three countries.
Pact to Expand Defence Industry Cooperation
The agreement is expected to support cooperation in defence production, military technology, intelligence sharing, training and counterterrorism.
Pakistan brings extensive military experience and strategic capabilities, while Türkiye has developed a rapidly expanding defence industry producing drones, naval platforms, armoured vehicles and other military systems.
Saudi Arabia contributes significant economic capacity, regional influence and growing investment in defence manufacturing and technology.
The combination of these capabilities is intended to create a coordinated security framework capable of responding to conventional warfare, terrorism and emerging threats.
Agreement Described as Defensive, Not Offensive
The three countries have presented the pact as a defensive arrangement rather than an alliance directed against another state.
Its stated objectives include strengthening collective security, preventing aggression and promoting peace and stability in the region.
The agreement also reflects the right to individual and collective self-defence recognised under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The framework is not being described as a “Muslim NATO” or a nuclear-security guarantee. Instead, it formalises existing cooperation among the three countries and provides a structure for joint planning and deterrence.
Erdoğan Says Pact Open to Friendly Countries
Erdoğan said the agreement was not aimed at any particular country and could remain open to friendly states committed to regional peace, prosperity and stability.
The Turkish president said Türkiye would continue supporting dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts while strengthening defence cooperation with its partners.
He expressed hope that the Makkah consultations and the agreement would contribute to wider regional security and stability.
Friday Prayers Held Before Signing
Before the signing ceremony, Mohammed bin Salman, Erdoğan, Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir offered Friday prayers.
Special prayers were offered for regional peace, stability and prosperity.
The trilateral agreement represents a major expansion of defence cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye and introduces a formal collective-security commitment connecting South Asia, the Gulf and Türkiye.
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