Türkiye’s parliament has approved the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, marking an important step towards stronger military cooperation among the three countries.
The agreement was ratified by 279 votes against 119 during a session of the Turkish parliament’s General Assembly. The 600-seat parliament debated the proposed legislation before voting on the agreement.
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), its ally the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) supported the ratification.
The agreement was signed in Makkah on August 7 by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The three leaders agreed to strengthen collective security and expand defence cooperation.
What Does the Defence Agreement Include?
The agreement provides a framework for cooperation in several military and security areas. These include military training, joint exercises, defence technology, counterterrorism and logistical support.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye will also work together on defence industry projects. These projects may involve technology transfers, joint research and development, weapons production and military innovation.
The pact also aims to improve coordination between the armed forces of the three countries. Personnel exchanges, joint training programmes and military exercises will help them work more closely together.
Another important part of the agreement is intelligence sharing. The three countries will exchange information through secure channels under mutually agreed confidentiality and information security arrangements.
Collective Defence and Military Support
One of the key principles of the agreement is collective defence. Under this arrangement, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
The agreement allows the three countries to take individual or joint measures based on shared security assessments. These measures would aim to protect their national interests and respond to common security concerns.
It also provides a framework for logistical assistance during peacetime, wartime and emergencies. Support may include weapons, ammunition, fuel, spare parts and other military equipment.
The countries will also coordinate their positions on regional and international security matters. They aim to strengthen cooperation in international organisations and promote shared diplomatic positions.
Could Türkiye Deploy Troops to Saudi Arabia?
Türkiye’s parliamentary approval has increased the possibility of military support for Saudi Arabia amid attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia.
A ruling party lawmaker had previously indicated that Türkiye could submit a separate request to parliament for permission to deploy military personnel to Saudi Arabia under the agreement.
However, the current ratification does not automatically authorise Turkish troops to be sent to the kingdom.
Turkish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Fuat Oktay said the alliance was defensive in nature and was not designed to support attacks against other countries.
He also stressed that Türkiye would not enter an uncontrolled conflict against its will. Any future deployment of Turkish troops would require separate parliamentary approval.
Joint Defence Committee and Saudi-Based Secretariat
The agreement also establishes a Strategic Political and Defence Committee to supervise cooperation between the three founding members.
The committee will include foreign ministers, defence ministers and chiefs of general staff. It is expected to meet twice a year, although meetings may be reduced to once annually if the countries’ leaders consider it necessary.
A permanent secretariat will be established in Saudi Arabia to support the committee.
Retired Pakistani General Nauman Mahmood has been selected as the alliance’s first secretary-general. He will serve a three-year term, with the position rotating among the founding countries. Pakistan will provide the first officeholder.
The agreement also allows other countries to join the partnership, subject to approval from the existing members and jointly agreed procedures.
When Will the Agreement Take Effect?
Türkiye’s parliamentary approval is an important step, but the agreement will enter into force only after all three countries complete their domestic ratification procedures.
The final instrument of ratification must also be deposited with the committee’s secretariat.
The agreement is designed to remain in effect indefinitely. However, any participating country may withdraw after 10 years by providing at least three months’ written notice through diplomatic channels.
Withdrawal will not cancel projects already approved or activities already underway. Obligations relating to the protection of classified information will also remain in force.
The defence partnership comes as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye increase diplomatic coordination over regional security challenges. Ministers from the three countries have already held meetings in Istanbul and Riyadh.
With Türkiye’s parliament approving the agreement, the three countries have moved closer to establishing a formal defence partnership. However, its full implementation still depends on the completion of ratification procedures by all founding members.
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