Turkish parliament ratifies Mecca defense pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia

Turkey's parliament ratified the Mecca Agreement on Joint Defense with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Thursday, voting 279 to 119, Anadolu Agency reported.

The vote clears the way for the trilateral security pact, signed in Mecca on Aug. 7, to take effect.

What is the Mecca defense pact between Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia?

The Mecca Agreement on Joint Defense is a trilateral security pact between Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The three countries signed it at a summit in Mecca on Aug. 7.

They pledged to strengthen collective security, deepen defense cooperation and promote peace and stability in the region and beyond.

How did Turkish lawmakers vote on the Mecca defense pact?

The bill passed on Thursday by 279 votes to 119.

Of the 592 members in the chamber, 398 took part in the ballot. The vote followed a lengthy debate among the parties.

What did lawmakers say about the agreement?

Ziya Altunyaldiz, a lawmaker from the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, said during the debate that the pact is meant to widen security cooperation in the region. He said it contains no approach directed against any third country. Its main purpose, he added, is to prevent conflicts rather than escalate them.

Opposition lawmakers questioned the pact’s scope and the oversight arrangements. Mehmet Guzelmansur of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) said clear rules were needed so the agreement does not conflict with Turkey's other international obligations.