Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday hailed the newly signed “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement” as a historic step towards strengthening peace, security and defence cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
In a post on X following the signing ceremony in Makkah, the prime minister said that he was honoured to sign the agreement alongside Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
“Three brotherly nations, united by faith, friendship and a shared resolve for peace and security,” Shehbaz wrote.
He expressed hope that the agreement, signed “in the shadow of the Haramain”, would serve as a lasting shield of peace for future generations and bring prosperity to the three countries as well as the wider Muslim Ummah.
The prime minister also paid tribute to Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his contribution to the agreement.
“I would especially like to express my deep appreciation for Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, whose untiring efforts and utmost dedication contributed immensely towards this great cause,” Shehbaz said.
Landmark defence pact
Earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Office announced that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye had signed the “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement”, describing it as a landmark initiative to strengthen collective security, deepen defence cooperation and promote peace and stability across the region.
The agreement was signed during the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah under the patronage of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The summit brought together Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Saudi crown prince, who reviewed bilateral and trilateral ties before signing the accord.
According to the Foreign Office, the agreement builds on the three countries’ longstanding historical ties, Islamic solidarity and defence cooperation.
It provides for strengthening collective deterrence against aggression and stipulates that an armed attack against any one of the three states will be regarded as an attack against all three.
The agreement also calls for enhanced cooperation across all areas of defence, reflecting the three nations’ shared commitment to promoting peace, security and stability in the region and beyond.
