Turkish parliamentary panel approves Mecca defense pact with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan

A Turkish parliamentary committee has approved the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, under which an armed attack on one party is considered an attack on all. The pact now goes to the full parliament.

Ally Daily Editorial DeskOctober 27, 2026, 04:52 PMUpdated: October 27, 2026, 04:58 PM

Turkish parliamentary panel approves Mecca defense pact with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan

The Foreign Affairs Committee of Türkiye's parliament has approved a bill ratifying the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The bill is expected to go before the full General Assembly next week.

Presenting the agreement to the committee, Deputy Foreign Minister Levent Gümrükçü said the pact is "entirely defense-oriented" and "does not target any country." He said it is intended to complement platforms related to European security, above all NATO, and that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have completed their domestic approval processes.

The General Assembly hall of Türkiye's parliament

Under the 16-article agreement, an armed attack on any party will be considered an attack on all, and the country attacked will receive support, including military means, within the framework of self-defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter. The pact also covers defense industry cooperation, joint training and exercises, and counterterrorism. The parties cannot withdraw during the first 10 years.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the agreement in Mecca on Aug. 7. Asked whether Türkiye would become involved in the war in Yemen, Gümrükçü said there is currently no troop deployment.

Have a story, event or announcement of your own?Send us your news on WhatsApp

Spotted an error in this story?Report it on WhatsApp

Share on all social platforms