Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye’s new defence pact is emblematic of the shifts in defence cooperation in the region. It raises questions on how far the agreement will be upheld and on how it will affect relations within the Gulf and beyond.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on 7 August 2026, formalises a key geopolitical realignment under way since the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023. Israel’s and Iran’s acts of aggression have alarmed all three countries, prompting them to close ranks.
The Makkah agreement builds on the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement endorsed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2025, as well as the quadrilateral consultative mechanism that includes the three signatories and Egypt (R-4 Group). Its core provision stipulates that an armed attack against any one member of the alliance shall be regarded as an attack against them all. Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan reportedly described this commitment as ‘technically the same’ as NATO’s Article 5, while noting that the allies would determine through consultation the degree and form of assistance provided.
No comments:
Post a Comment