Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Sign Defense Pact Open to Region

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar stated Sunday that the defense pact signed between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey remains open to any country in the region willing to uphold its fundamental principles.

Dar clarified the agreement is purely defensive in nature. Turkey's Foreign Minister also stated the pact mirrors NATO's Article 5, a provision for collective defense. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed Friday in Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This agreement establishes a framework for the three nations to potentially form a defense industry, fostering cooperation in military capabilities.

Observers describe the pact as acting as insurance over perceived US disengagement from guaranteeing regional security. Turkey maintains the defense pact is not aimed at Iran or any other country, emphasizing its defensive posture. However, observers suggest the pact aims to deter Iran and Israel from escalating their conflict, amid Washington's perceived inability to guarantee regional security.

An expert, Guzansky, stated Saudi Arabia likely joined the pact to gain more leverage and options as trust in Washington wanes in the region. Analysts suggest the pact may reduce the United States' role in West Asia, altering regional power dynamics. Guzansky also stated the pact complicates Israel normalization hopes, introducing new considerations for regional diplomacy.