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Turkey says new defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan not aimed at Iran
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed the "Mecca Joint Defense Agreement," which states that an attack on one is considered an attack on all three, aiming to enhance regional stability amid rising uncertainties.
- Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that the pact is not directed against Iran or any specific country, but rather focuses on mutual defense only if a member is attacked.
- The agreement is modeled similarly to NATO’s Article 5, with assistance ranging from intelligence sharing to military deployment, depending on the scale of the threat and upon a formal request from the attacked member.
- The pact includes plans for regular meetings among foreign and defense ministers and military chiefs, as well as the establishment of a secretariat in Saudi Arabia to coordinate efforts.
- Other countries, including Egypt, have shown interest in joining the agreement, with Egypt described as a "natural partner" expected to participate in the next phase.
