Pakistan says new defense pact with Saudi and Turkey is 'purely defensive' and open to others

Pakistan's foreign minister announced on Sunday that a new defense agreement signed with Saudi Arabia and Turkey is not aimed at any specific country and is open to other nations in the region. The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement was signed by the leaders of the three countries as they seek to enhance security cooperation amidst rising tensions involving the United States and Iran.

The foreign minister emphasized that the agreement is 'purely defensive in nature' and that other countries can join if they are willing to adhere to its principles and resolve conflicts peacefully. He noted that the pact reflects a mutual desire to strengthen strategic security cooperation among the three nations.

The agreement stipulates that any armed attack against one of the three states will be regarded as an attack against all. This provision aligns with the right of individual and collective self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the U.N. Charter. Pakistan remains committed to working with regional countries to achieve lasting peace and stability.