Makkah agreement a defense pact, not directed against any country: FM Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar says the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye is defensive in purpose and is not aimed at any particular country.

In a message following the signing of the agreement, Dar said that the pact reflects the close ties between the three countries and their shared commitment to peace, security and regional stability. He described the agreement as an important development in Pakistan’s longstanding strategic relations with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.

According to Dar, the three countries had agreed to deepen cooperation in dealing with defence and security challenges in the region.

“The Makkah Accord is defensive in nature. It is not directed against any country,” Dar said.

He said the agreement was intended to strengthen collective deterrence against external aggression and improve the three countries’ ability to protect their sovereignty, territorial integrity and people.

Under the pact, an armed attack on any one of the three countries would be considered an attack against all three, he added.

Dar also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for resolving disputes through peaceful means and respecting national sovereignty and international law.

He said the agreement should not be viewed as a tool for confrontation but as a joint commitment by the three countries to pursue peace through stronger cooperation, unity and mutual respect.