'Big, bold and important first step': Trump welcomes defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye

Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong approval of the recently signed defense pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye. He described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a "BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP" on his Truth Social platform, highlighting it as a sign of the Middle East "coming together."

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Very happy to see that Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan have recently, and finally, signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

The agreement, signed on August 7, aims to bolster collective deterrence among the three nations, stipulating that an attack on one signatory will be considered an attack on all. This development occurs amidst ongoing regional tensions, including the U.S.-Iran conflict and Houthi rebel activities.

Turkiye's defense ministry indicated that the pact will establish political and military mechanisms and foster deeper cooperation in the defense industry. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar of Pakistan have emphasized the pact's defensive nature. Dar also noted that the agreement is open to other regional countries that uphold its core principles.

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It shows how the Middle East is coming together, and how Countries will finally be able to defend themselves in a more meaningful way.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan suggested that Egypt could join the alliance in the "next stage," citing only minor technical issues as obstacles, though Egypt has not officially commented. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated this vision, expressing hope for the pact's expansion to include all regional countries under its umbrella.

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BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP

Regional reactions have been largely positive. Iran, while not a signatory, adopted a constructive tone, stressing its commitment to "security mechanisms based on cooperation between regional countries." Kuwait, Bahrain, and Somalia have also welcomed the new defense agreement.

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only “a few technical issues” stood in the way