Former US President Donald Trump has lauded the recently signed defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, describing it as a “bold and important first step.” He emphasized that the pact demonstrates a growing unity in the Middle East, allowing countries to better defend themselves in a more significant manner. Trump offered his congratulations to the leadership of the three nations for this milestone.
The pact comes amid escalating regional tensions following the US-Israel conflict with Iran that began on February 28. This conflict has notably involved several Gulf states and disrupted maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, heightening security concerns.
On August 7, during the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye formalized the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. The summit was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The agreement includes a collective defence clause similar to NATO’s Article 5, stating that an armed attack on any member will be considered an attack on all.
This trilateral pact follows a mutual defence agreement signed a year earlier between Islamabad and Riyadh, which committed both countries to respond jointly to any aggression. Following the summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the new defence pact is not intended for offensive purposes but aims to foster peace, security, and prosperity in the region. He reiterated this stance during a federal cabinet meeting on August 10.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also emphasized that the agreement is defensive and open to other nations willing to uphold its principles. He highlighted that the pact reflects longstanding brotherly relations among the three countries and results from years of strategic coordination to address shared security challenges.
In a related development, Turkish President Erdogan mentioned that Egypt might join the defence alliance in the future. Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, Erdogan described Egypt’s potential accession as one of several options being explored to expand the pact’s membership. He noted that the agreement sends a strong message globally and remains open to additional members.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his appreciation for Trump’s supportive remarks on the defence pact. In a post on X, the prime minister affirmed Pakistan’s commitment, alongside Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, to playing a constructive role in safeguarding the defence of the three countries and the broader region. He also praised Trump’s leadership for preventing a nuclear crisis in South Asia, which he said saved millions of lives.
Shehbaz Sharif concluded by stressing that lasting peace is the most crucial foundation for a prosperous and bright future.
