Defense pact between Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia matches NATO mutual aid clause, says Ankara

A new defense agreement between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia has been signed, which Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described as technically mirroring Article 5 of the NATO treaty, the alliance's mutual defense clause. The pact, officially termed the "Mecca Defense Agreement," was finalized after more than two and a half years of negotiations.

Fidan emphasized that the alliance is not aimed at Iran or any other nation but is intended to bolster the general security of its members. This statement aligns with previous assurances from government officials regarding the pact's defensive nature. The agreement stipulates that an armed attack on one of the three countries will be considered an attack on all.

In the event of an attack, the allied nations will consult to determine the form of support to be provided. Beyond mutual defense, the founding states plan to establish a committee of ministers and a General Secretariat, modeled after NATO structures, with the latter to be based in Saudi Arabia. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is reportedly exploring the possibility of expanding the alliance, with Egypt being considered a potential future member once certain technicalities are resolved.