ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has said the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is not aimed at any particular country and could be joined by other states that are willing to follow its principles.
In a statement on X, Dar described the accord as purely defensive, saying its objective is to strengthen regional peace, security, stability and prosperity rather than create confrontation.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the agreement during the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence, establishing a collective security arrangement under which an armed attack against one signatory would be treated as an attack against all three.
Dar said the agreement reflects the longstanding ties between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye and was reached after years of consultations aimed at expanding strategic cooperation and addressing common security challenges.
He clarified that the Makkah Accord does not cancel or replace any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements involving the three countries.
Referring to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the foreign minister said the pact recognises the right of its members to individual and collective self-defence in the event of an armed attack.
Dar stressed that the agreement is not directed against any state, adding that it is designed to support efforts for peaceful conflict resolution and greater regional cooperation.
He further said countries across the region could become part of the framework if they are prepared to respect its basic principles, settle disputes through dialogue and uphold mutual respect and cooperation.
The foreign minister said the accord is consistent with Pakistan’s foreign policy and reflects Islamabad’s commitment to working with regional partners to build a more peaceful and secure region.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The pact comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with regional states seeking stronger security coordination following the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran and disruptions to shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has previously indicated that Ankara favours expanding the arrangement, with Egypt mentioned among potential future participants.
The Foreign Office has said the agreement seeks to strengthen collective deterrence against aggression while expanding defence cooperation among the three signatories.
