Politics · Turkey · 10 hrs ago
Turkey submits Saudi-Pakistan defence pact to Parliament for approval
Turkey has submitted a defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to Parliament for approval.
The three countries signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, and Turkey’s ratification is needed for it to take effect.
The pact treats an armed attack on one member as an attack on all, requiring the others to provide assistance after assessing what is needed.
It also covers cooperation on intelligence, defence industries, military training and equipment.
The agreement would last at least 10 years after it takes effect, and a member could withdraw only after that period, with written notice.
The pact comes as Saudi Arabia faces attacks by Yemen’s Houthis, while Turkey’s foreign minister has said it is defensive and Turkey would not send troops to attack another country.
Parliament’s foreign affairs commission is expected to consider the agreement, possibly as early as Friday, and further debate and ratification are still required.
Turkey’s constitution also requires separate parliamentary permission to send troops abroad.
Turkey submitted the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to Parliament for ratification on October 20.
The pact says an armed attack on one member is to be treated as an attack on all, with members providing assistance.
The agreement was signed on August 7 and contains 16 articles.
It covers defence cooperation including intelligence sharing, defence industry cooperation, logistical support and joint training.
The pact allows members to withdraw only after 10 years from its entry into force, with at least three months’ written notice.
Turkish officials say ratification would not itself authorise sending troops abroad, which requires separate parliamentary permission.
- Who
- Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are parties to the agreement.
- What
- Turkey submitted the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement to Parliament for ratification.
- When
- October 20, 2026. The pact was signed on August 7.
- Where
- The Turkish Parliament in Turkey.
- Why
- Ratification is required for Turkey to formally approve the agreement, which aims to strengthen collective deterrence and defence cooperation.
Turkish government
Turkish opposition politicians
Risk of involvement in conflict
Turkish government
The government describes the pact as defensive and says Turkey will not send troops to attack another country.
Turkish opposition politicians
Opposition figures warned that the pact could draw Turkey into the war in Yemen.
Parliamentary approval
Turkish government
The government submitted the agreement to Parliament for approval.
Turkish opposition politicians
Opposition politicians warned that military commitments were being made before parliamentary approval.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.
The three governments met in Riyadh and agreed to implement their collective defence commitments and arrange for military forces and capabilities to be deployed to Saudi Arabia.
Turkey submitted the agreement to Parliament for ratification.
Parliament’s foreign affairs commission could debate the agreement as early as Friday.
- Signatories
- Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
- Agreement
- Mecca Joint Defence Agreement
- Signed
- August 7
- Length
- 16 articles
- Withdrawal
- Permitted after 10 years from entry into force, with at least three months’ written notice
- Ratification step
- Submission to the Turkish Parliament on October 20, 2026
4 sources
Turkey submits Saudi-Pakistan defence pact to Parliament for ratification, sources say
Turkiye moves to ratify Mecca defence pact with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia
Saudi-Pakistan pact would bind Turkey to mutual defense for at least 10 years: report
Exclusive: Full text of the Mecca defence pact signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
What people are saying
This strategic partnership developed between our countries aims to strengthen collective deterrence, enhance joint capabilities in the defence sector, and safeguard security and stability in our region
offensive agreement
entering a defense alliance with a country engaged in war risked making Turkey a participant