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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Belgium /Conflict & Security

Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan sign new defense pact: 'An attack against one is an attack against all'

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have signed a new defense pact, establishing a mutual defense clause similar to NATO's Article 5.
  • The agreement aims to deter attacks against any of the three nations, forming a powerful military bloc.
  • The pact is signed amid heightened regional tensions, including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and bilateral disputes.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have solidified their strategic alliance by signing a new defense agreement, establishing a mutual defense clause that echoes NATO's Article 5. This pact declares that an attack on one signatory nation will be considered an attack on all three.

The agreement was signed in the holy city of Mecca, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoฤŸan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in attendance. This symbolic location underscores the deepening bond between the three Sunni-majority nations, aiming to create a formidable deterrent against potential aggressors.

This alliance forms a powerful military bloc, leveraging the strengths of each nation. Turkey boasts NATO's second-largest army, Saudi Arabia possesses vast oil wealth, and Pakistan is a nuclear power. The countries already share a strong history of military cooperation, including Pakistan's previous deployment of troops and military equipment to Saudi Arabia, and joint military exercises and exchanges between Turkey and Pakistan. Saudi Arabia has also been a significant customer for Turkish drones.

An attack against one of those countries is considered an attack against all of those countries.

โ€” Agreement clauseDescribing the core mutual defense commitment of the pact.

The timing of this defense pact is significant, occurring amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. The region is grappling with the fallout from conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran, as well as the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and skirmishes involving Hezbollah in Lebanon. Each nation also faces its own specific security challenges, from border disputes to regional rivalries.

Officials emphasize the defensive nature of the agreement, stating its primary purpose is mutual support and protection. The pact aims to enhance regional stability by presenting a united front against external threats.

It is primarily intended defensively, with a promise to support and defend each other.

โ€” Turkish officialClarifying the defensive nature of the agreement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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