Pakistan Premier Sharif says Saudi-Turkiye-Pakistan defense pact brings three countries closer
By The South Asia Times
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Friday that a joint defence agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye had brought the three countries closer and sent a message of unity and peace across the region.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed by the three countries during a trilateral summit in Makkah on August 7, committing them to strengthen collective security, expand defence cooperation and promote regional peace and stability.
Shehbaz made the remarks during a meeting with Saudi Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, according to Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office.
The Pakistani premier reaffirmed the “deep-rooted, fraternal ties” between Islamabad and Riyadh and conveyed his regards to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He said the two strategic partners should now focus on expanding economic and agricultural cooperation, particularly trade and investment.
Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with cooperation on Pakistani agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia and discussions on improving agricultural productivity through technology, research and development, and more efficient water use.
He said a delegation of Pakistani agricultural experts would soon visit Riyadh to advance the discussions and explore the partnership’s potential.
Al-Fadley reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Pakistan in agriculture, water management and food security.
Under the defence pact, an attack on any one of the three signatories is to be treated as an attack against all three. The agreement describes the arrangement as a shared commitment to strengthening collective security and promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond.
Pakistan has said the pact remains open to other regional countries that are willing to uphold its principles. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said Thursday that Dhaka would positively consider joining if invited by the founding members.
