Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif explains the reason for the 'Mecca Joint Defense Agreement': For peace, tranquility, and progress

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia will contribute to regional peace, development, and prosperity.

In his statement at a cabinet meeting held in the capital Islamabad, Sharif said that the agreement, which he signed in Makkah al-Mukarramah alongside President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is a continuation of the long-standing defense cooperation between the three countries.

Emphasizing that the purpose of the agreement is to "promote peace, progress, and prosperity" in the region, Sharif said, "Its purpose is certainly not to carry out any aggression. The agreement is entirely for defense, for peace, tranquility, and progress in the region."

Sharif expressed his belief that the agreement is a source of strength not only for the three countries but for the entire Muslim world. Reminding that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a "Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement" in September 2025, Sharif noted that there have also been various defense cooperation arrangements between Pakistan and Turkey for decades.

"An attack on one of the three countries will be considered an attack on all"

Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan signed a joint defense agreement at a trilateral summit held in Makkah al-Mukarramah last Friday.

The agreement was signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Al-Safa Palace.

It was stated that the agreement, defined as a defense-focused cooperation arrangement, does not target any country and aims to strengthen regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity through burden-sharing and a common security approach. While the agreement aims to strengthen the joint deterrence of the three countries, it was stipulated that an armed attack against any of the parties would be considered an attack on all three. It was also reported that the agreement envisions the development of defense cooperation between the three countries. Following the signing of the agreement, enthusiastic celebrations were held in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.