Pakistan's foreign minister said Sunday a new defense agreement his country signed with Saudi Arabia and Turkey was not directed against any country and remained open to other nations. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The agreement was signed on August 7, 2026, in Mecca by the leaders of the three countries — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This was reported by the state-run Saudi Press Agency.
Dar said the agreement is "purely defensive" in nature and aimed at strengthening regional stability. He also noted that the agreement is open to other countries joining.
This agreement follows a joint defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed on September 17, 2025, in Riyadh. At that time, Shehbaz Sharif embraced Mohammed bin Salman after signing the document.
In Lahore, fireworks were organized on August 8, 2026, in honor of the agreement signed in Mecca. This event was captured in photographs taken by AP photographer K.M. Chaudary.
Relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia have improved in recent years. On June 22, 2022, a welcome ceremony was held in Ankara where Erdogan and Mohammed bin Salman shook hands.
Dar reiterated that the agreement is not directed against any country and will contribute to peace and stability in the region. He also emphasized the openness of the agreement and invited other countries to join.
According to Associated Press, the agreement aims to deepen military cooperation between the three countries. The full text of the agreement has not yet been published, but experts believe it could affect the security situation in the region.
Defense ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have historically been close. Both countries are important players in the Islamic world. Turkey's inclusion will further strengthen this alliance.
Dar's statement came amid regional tensions. He stressed that the agreement is not directed against anyone and its purpose is purely defensive.
Much work remains to be done to implement this agreement. But the leaders of the three countries have expressed their intentions in this direction. The impact of the agreement on the regional balance of power will become evident over time.
Associated Press extensively covered this event, photographing ceremonies with the participation of the leaders of the three countries. This agreement could lead to the formation of new alliances in the region.
Pakistani officials view this agreement as an important step in strengthening the country's security. They also note that the agreement will promote economic cooperation.
Relations between Saudi Arabia and Turkey have significantly improved in recent years. Erdogan's visit to Riyadh in 2022 marked the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations.
The trilateral agreement is seen as a manifestation of joint efforts to address security challenges in the region. Which other countries will join this agreement remains unknown.
According to Dar's words, the agreement is "purely defensive" and not directed against anyone. This statement may be aimed at allaying concerns of other countries in the region.
Associated Press distributed this news based on the statement of Pakistan's foreign minister. When the full text of the agreement is published, its details will become known.
Currently, the specific directions of military cooperation among the three countries have not been defined. But this agreement could contribute to the formation of a new security architecture in the region.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are important countries in the Islamic world. Experts believe their joint military agreement is aimed at increasing influence in the region.
It is not yet known how the international community will receive this agreement. But Dar's statement attempts to emphasize the peaceful nature of the agreement.
When Associated Press published this news, it was widely disseminated in world media. The impact of the agreement on the regional situation will be assessed over time.
Pakistani officials consider this agreement an important step in enhancing the country's defense capabilities. They are also confident that it will contribute to regional stability.
This agreement with the participation of Saudi Arabia and Turkey marks a new stage in Pakistan's foreign policy. It is aimed at strengthening the country's role in the region.
According to Associated Press, the signing ceremony took place in Mecca. This event has symbolic significance as it occurred in the holy city of the Islamic world.
The leaders of the three countries called the agreement an important step. They expressed confidence that it will contribute to peace and stability in the region.
Much work remains to be done to implement this agreement. But the leaders of the three countries have expressed their intentions in this direction. The impact of the agreement on the regional balance of power will become evident over time.