Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement to strengthen collective security and cooperation among the three countries.
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif signed the agreement at a summit held in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Friday.
Erdoğan and Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on August 7.
The three leaders discussed bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest at the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence held at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah.
The three nations have expressed a commitment to expanding collective security and cooperation based on their historical ties, Islamic brotherhood, shared strategic interests and longstanding defense cooperation.
Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all three. The provision is expected to strengthen their collective deterrence capabilities.
They have pledged to strengthen collective security and promote peace, security and stability both regionally and beyond the region.
The agreement also provides for expanded and strengthened defense cooperation in various areas. It is expected to further institutionalize coordination and cooperation among the three countries in addressing common security challenges.
The Makkah agreement is being viewed as a significant step toward transforming the traditional political and religious ties among the three countries into a more strategic partnership in security and defense.
Under the agreement, the three countries have pledged to further strengthen their shared strategic interests and longstanding defense cooperation and work together toward a secure and prosperous future.
However, the agreement has also drawn comments and criticism. An Israeli minister had previously accused the countries involved in the agreement of sheltering armed groups.
