Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Turkey-Saudi-Pakistan Pact Strengthens War on Terrorism

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (ANTARA - Livia Kristianti)

ANKARA - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the Mecca Agreement, signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan on Friday (7/8), aims to strengthen efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability in the Middle East.

Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum on collective defense.

According to the newspaper Turkiye, this joint defense agreement includes cooperation in the field of intelligence exchange and regional security coordination.

The newspaper also said that Turkey's accession to the strategic defense cooperation system between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan - an agreement initially signed in 2025 - could be an important step in changing the balance of power in the Middle East.

"This agreement based on the principle of collective prevention will contribute to advancing our security and defense cooperation, developing joint projects in the defense industry, and combating terrorism," Erdogan said via the X platform.

Erdogan added that the document was not intended to fight against any country and was open to the participation of friendly countries that had an interest in peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.

The leader of Turkiye also said that the agreement was signed in Mecca during a meeting with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, as well as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif.

Erdogan added that the document was based on the principle of collective prevention and included efforts to deepen security and defense cooperation, develop joint defense projects, and coordinate measures in the fight against terrorism.

The Turkish President stated that the agreement reaffirmed the right of the country to carry out self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Erdogan added that Ankara would continue to adhere to the policy of resolving conflicts and regional crises through dialogue, diplomacy, and compliance with international law.