Islamabad : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s endorsement of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing the support as encouraging for regional cooperation and security.
In a message posted on his X account, the prime minister said Pakistan would work closely with its brotherly partners, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, to play a constructive role in strengthening the security and defence of the three countries as well as promoting stability across the wider region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also reiterated his appreciation for President Trump’s “courageous and decisive leadership,” saying it had contributed significantly to averting the threat of a potential nuclear catastrophe in South Asia and protecting millions of people from its potentially devastating impact.
Emphasising the importance of peace for the region’s future, the prime minister said lasting stability was essential for economic development, prosperity and a better future for the people.
His remarks came after President Trump publicly welcomed the trilateral defence agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he was pleased that the three countries had finally concluded the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
Trump described the pact as evidence of increasing unity among countries in the Middle East and said closer cooperation could strengthen their ability to safeguard themselves. He termed the agreement a “BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP” towards enhanced regional security and cooperation.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the trilateral defence agreement on August 7 amid continued geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Iran, which have had repercussions across the broader region. The security situation has also been affected by attacks attributed to Houthi rebels.
Under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, the three countries have committed to enhancing their collective deterrence and defence capabilities through greater coordination. A central provision of the agreement states that an armed attack against any one of the signatories would be considered an attack against all three countries.
The agreement is viewed as an important development in the strategic and defence relationship between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, with the three nations seeking closer coordination to address emerging security challenges and contribute to regional stability.
