ISLAMABAD: Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Harraj announced that a draft defense agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey has been prepared after nearly a year of negotiations. This development indicates that the three countries may be working to bolster regional security amid rising tensions over the past couple of years.
Harraj explained to Reuters that the potential trilateral pact is distinct from the bilateral Saudi-Pakistani agreement disclosed last year. He emphasized that a consensus among the three nations is essential to formalize the deal, which is currently in the final stages.”The Pakistan-Saudi-Turkey trilateral agreement is actively in the pipeline,” Harraj stated during an interview. “We already have the draft. It’s with Saudi Arabia and Turkey as well. All three countries have been discussing it for the past ten months.”
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed media reports about the negotiations during a press conference in Istanbul. He clarified that talks had taken place, but no formal agreement had been signed yet.Fidan highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and mutual trust to address ongoing distrust and regional instability. He pointed out that fostering collaboration among neighboring nations is crucial to overcoming challenges such as terrorism, external influence, and regional conflicts.”Currently, there are discussions and meetings, but no official agreement has been inked,” Fidan said. He also noted Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s vision of establishing an inclusive regional cooperation platform aimed at enhancing stability and broader security initiatives. The Turkish Foreign Minister did not specify any countries, including Pakistan or Saudi Arabia, in his remarks.
Recent reports by Bloomberg indicated that Ankara was nearing an agreement to join the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, potentially creating a new security alignment that could influence power dynamics across the Middle East and beyond.
Harraj clarified that the new draft agreement is separate from the Pakistan-Saudi SMDA. Pakistan and Turkey have longstanding defense ties, with Ankara providing naval vessels for the Pakistan Navy and upgrading F-16 fighter jets for the Pakistan Air Force. Turkey also supplies drone technology to Islamabad.
Pakistani officials credit their strengthened defense cooperation with success in recent conflicts, including the May 2025 war against India. During that conflict, Pakistan successfully defended its territory, downing multiple Indian fighter jets, including Rafale aircraft, and numerous drones.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently revealed that Pakistan is engaging with multiple nations over defense agreements, including the sale of fighter jets. He noted that following Pakistan’s victory in the recent conflict, the demand for Pakistani military equipment has surged, and several countries are interested in acquiring JF-17 Thunder jets.
Prior to this, Harraj told the BBC that Pakistan is actively discussing potential deals with various countries for the sale of its fighter jets.
The May 2025 conflict between India and Pakistan was triggered by Indian attacks in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), with India accusing Pakistan of involvement in terrorist activities, a claim Islamabad denies. The conflict lasted over three days and ended with a ceasefire mediated by the United States. During the hostilities, Pakistan’s air force engaged Indian aircraft, including Rafale fighters, and shot down several drones.
