thefridaynews 
US President Donald Trump has welcomed the recent signing of a joint defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, calling it an important step towards stronger regional security cooperation.
Trump said he was pleased that the three countries had signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, describing it as a “big, bold, important first step.”
The agreement, signed on August 7, aims to strengthen collective deterrence and defence cooperation among the three countries. Under the pact, an armed attack against any one of the signatories would be considered an attack against all three.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Trump’s remarks and expressed appreciation for his support for the agreement.
Shehbaz said Pakistan, together with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, would continue to play a constructive role in strengthening the defence of their countries and promoting security across the region.
The prime minister also praised Trump for what he described as courageous and decisive leadership during last year’s military conflict between Pakistan and India. He said Trump’s efforts helped avert a possible nuclear catastrophe in South Asia and protect millions of lives.
Shehbaz stressed that lasting peace was essential for achieving a prosperous future for the people of the region.
The trilateral defence agreement comes amid heightened tensions and continuing security challenges across the Middle East.
Under the agreement, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye will establish political and military mechanisms to strengthen coordination. The three countries also plan to expand cooperation in defence industries and related military fields.
Pakistani officials have stressed that the agreement is entirely defensive in nature and is not directed against any particular country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said the agreement could also be open to other countries in the region that are willing to follow its fundamental principles.
Türkiye has indicated that it hopes the defence framework will eventually expand beyond the three founding countries. Turkish officials have also expressed interest in the possible participation of additional regional states.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the vision behind the agreement is not limited to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, but could eventually provide a wider regional security framework.
Several countries in the region have welcomed the agreement, while Iran has also expressed support for regional security arrangements based on cooperation among neighbouring countries.
The new pact represents a major expansion of defence cooperation between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye and could play an increasingly important role in shaping regional security in the future.
