The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed a new defense agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, calling it a significant step toward strengthening collective security.
The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement was signed on Friday during a trilateral summit in Makkah.
What does the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement commit the three countries to?
The agreement commits Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to closer defense cooperation and collective deterrence. Under its terms, an attack on one member will be treated as an attack on all three. The pact positions the three countries as a unified security bloc within the region.
What did the OIC say about the defense pact?
OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha said the agreement reflected the three countries' commitment to deeper regional and international cooperation. He described it as an important foundation for addressing security challenges facing the region. Taha made the remarks in a statement posted on X.
Taha called the pact a strategic development that could help reinforce security and stability across the region and the wider Muslim world. He praised the leadership of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey for bringing the agreement to fruition. Taha also expressed hope that it would help promote peace and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Who signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement?
The agreement was signed during a trilateral summit in Makkah attended by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The summit was held under the title "Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defense." It focused on strengthening military ties and coordinating efforts to address emerging security threats.
Pakistan's Chief of Defense Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir also attended the signing ceremony. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif were present as well. The OIC, which has 57 member states including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, is the world's second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations.
Comments
See what people are discussing