Bangladesh has shown openness to becoming part of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, a pact currently involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye. The Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Humaiun Kobir, emphasized that Bangladesh is positively considering joining an economic or defence framework with these nations, while carefully weighing its national interests alongside evolving global economic and trade conditions.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed on August 7 during a summit held in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The pact stipulates that an armed attack on any one of the signatories will be treated as an attack on all three, reinforcing collective security. This development follows the outbreak of conflict between the US-Israel coalition and Iran on February 28, which has involved several Gulf countries and disrupted maritime navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview with the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Kobir outlined that Bangladesh is pursuing a balanced foreign policy under its “Bangladesh First” approach, prioritizing national interests. He noted that the country is actively enhancing its bilateral relations with Pakistan, focusing on trade and people-to-people connections as part of routine diplomatic engagement.
The Makkah summit was attended by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The agreement aims to deepen defence collaboration among the three nations, reflecting their dedication to bolstering collective security and promoting peace, stability, and security regionally and beyond.
Following the signing, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan clarified that the pact is technically similar to NATO’s Article 5 mutual defence clause but is not targeted against Iran or any other country. He described the agreement as a general commitment to support the security of the allied countries. Fidan also revealed President Erdogan’s intention to expand the framework, identifying Egypt as a potential future member among others.
On August 9, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar reiterated that the Makkah agreement remains open to countries willing to adhere to its core principles. He emphasized that the accord is defensive in nature and does not override or replace any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements involving the signatories. Dar further stated that the framework welcomes nations committed to cooperation, mutual respect, and peaceful dispute resolution.
He affirmed that the agreement aligns with the fundamental pillars of Pakistan’s foreign policy and underscores Islamabad’s dedication to collaborating with regional partners to foster peaceful conflict resolution and build a more secure and prosperous future.
