Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the defense agreement signed in Mecca by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan is technically equivalent to NATO Article 5. Speaking to Anadolu one day after the signing, Fidan said the agreement provides a mutual defense system between the three countries.
The Article 5 reference describes a mechanism where an attack against one member obligates the others to assist it. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan signed the pact on Friday in Mecca, initiating a new phase of defense cooperation between three countries with significant military weight.
Ministerial committee and Saudi secretariat
Fidan stated that the deal will not remain a political declaration and includes permanent administrative structures. The framework establishes a ministerial committee operating similarly to NATO, along with a general secretariat located in Saudi Arabia.
This administrative setup creates a mechanism for the three nations to coordinate their future defense moves. It establishes the initial stage of institutional organization for the trilateral core.
Regional relations and potential expansion
Fidan clarified that the agreement does not target Tehran or Iran. The clarification carries importance given Saudi Arabia's involvement in the structure and Turkey's ongoing role in regional developments while Middle East balances remain delicate.
Ankara is also considering broader prospects for the partnership. Fidan noted that Egypt could join the agreement if certain technical issues are resolved, which would add another major regional partner to the format.
