World : Pakistan FM Says Mecca Defence Pact 'Purely' Defensive, Open To Others

Islamabad (AP) — Pakistan’s foreign minister announced on Sunday that the country’s new defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey was not intended against any nation and remained open to additional regional states.

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During a press conference in Islamabad, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that the landmark Mecca Joint Defense Agreement was not directed at any specific country and was open to other nations in the region. Dar emphasized that other countries could participate in the agreement if they were willing to adhere to its principles and resolve disputes peacefully. He added that the deal reflected a mutual desire among the three countries to enhance strategic security cooperation.

The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement was signed on Friday by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The agreement aims to deepen security cooperation in the region amid growing tensions between the United States and Iran. The pact stipulates that any armed attack against one of the three signatories shall be considered an attack against all three, consistent with the principles of collective self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister highlighted that the agreement did not supersede or replace existing bilateral or multilateral agreements between the countries or with other entities. The three nations, each bringing distinct capabilities to the arrangement, would continue working together for lasting peace and stability. Landmarks in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, and Saudi cities were adorned with flags representing Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan following the announcement of the agreement.