Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have signed a landmark joint defence agreement, named the Mecca Joint Deterrence Agreement, aimed at strengthening collective security and regional stability amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
The agreement was signed in the holy city of Makkah on Friday by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The pact states that any armed attack against one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all, establishing a framework for mutual defence and collective deterrence.
In a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agreement is based on the longstanding brotherly relations, Islamic solidarity, and strategic partnership shared by the three nations. It added that the pact reflects their common commitment to enhancing collective security while promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across the region and beyond.
The signing came a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on an official three-day visit, accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Asim Munir and a high-level delegation. During the visit, the Pakistani delegation performed Umrah and held meetings with Saudi leadership. President Erdoğan also travelled to Saudi Arabia to participate in the talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The defence agreement follows months of discussions between the three countries. According to reports, negotiations began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and gained momentum as regional tensions intensified following the conflict in Gaza and the ongoing military confrontation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Although Pakistan and Türkiye have not been directly affected by the conflict, Saudi Arabia has faced repeated security concerns due to attacks by Iran-backed groups and growing instability across the region. The three countries have expressed concerns over the expanding regional conflict, maritime security challenges, and the increasing influence of armed non-state actors.
Earlier this year, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye met in Riyadh during an Islamic summit, where they discussed closer security cooperation. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had also signed a bilateral mutual defence agreement in September 2025, laying the foundation for broader trilateral cooperation.
Regional analysts believe the new pact reflects the three nations’ desire to strengthen regional security through closer strategic coordination while reducing dependence on traditional security arrangements. They say the agreement also highlights a shared commitment to protecting territorial integrity, supporting stable governments, and promoting long-term peace in the Middle East.
