Pakistan Foreign Minister Emphasizes Mecca Agreement is a Defense and Defense Pact

Signing of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement at Al Safa Palace, Makkah, Saudi Arabia (Source: Presidency of The Republic of Turkiye)

JAKARTA - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar said on Monday, the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement signed with Saudi Arabia and Turkey is defensive and not intended to fight any country.

In a message addressed to the people in connection with the signing of the agreement, Foreign Minister Dar said the agreement reflected "the deep bonds of brotherhood, shared values, and collective commitment to peace, security, and stability."

"The signing of the Mecca Agreement is an important milestone in Pakistan's long-term strategic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Turkey," said Foreign Minister Dar, launching Al Arabiya (11/8).

He further explained that the agreement reflects the determination of the three countries to strengthen cooperation in facing defense and security challenges in the region.

"I would like to reiterate that the Mecca Agreement is defensive. This agreement is not intended to fight any country," said Foreign Minister Dar, adding that the goal is to strengthen collective deterrence against external aggression and increase the capacity of these countries in defending their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and people.

President Erdogan, Saudi Arabia's Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the "Makkah Joint Defense Agreement" at Al Safa Palace, Makkah, Saudi Arabia on Friday last week.

Foreign Minister Dar said the agreement stipulates that an armed attack against one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all three.

He also reiterated Pakistan's commitment to a peaceful resolution of disputes as well as respect for sovereignty and international law.

"The Mecca agreement is not an instrument of confrontation, but a manifestation of our collective commitment to peace achieved through strength, solidarity, and mutual respect," he said.