A new defense pact has been signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, focusing on enhancing regional stability. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that the agreement does not target Iran or any specific nation. The pact, known as the ‘Mecca Joint Defense Agreement,’ was signed in Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

This agreement highlights that an attack on any of the three nations would be treated as an attack on all. With Saudi Arabia’s wealth in oil, Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, and Turkey’s significant military presence, the alliance aims to bolster cooperation amidst growing uncertainty and threats, particularly from conflicts in Iran.

In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Fidan clarified that no specific nation is viewed as an adversary unless they display hostility. He stated, ‘Any nation that does not attack us is not a target.’ The defense cooperation clause mirrors NATO’s Article 5, which considers an attack on one member an attack on all members.

The defense mechanism involves formal requests for assistance from any member under threat, with responses ranging from intelligence support to military deployment. Fidan mentioned these responses depend on the severity of the threat. He added that other countries, not specified, have shown interest in joining, with Egypt being a potential future member.

The agreement mandates regular committee meetings involving the foreign and defense ministers of the three nations, along with military chiefs. A secretariat will also be established in Saudi Arabia to facilitate these discussions.