US President Donald Trump has welcomed the recent signing of a defense agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, describing it as an important development for regional security.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he was “very happy” that the three countries had finally signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, calling it a “big, bold, important first step”.
He said the pact reflected growing regional cooperation and would enable countries in the Middle East to strengthen their ability to defend themselves.
Signed on August 7, the agreement aims to enhance collective deterrence against aggression. Under its central provision, an armed attack on any one of the three signatories would be considered an attack on all three, according to a joint statement.
Deeply appreciate President Donald Trump’s kind words of support on the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
Together with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Turkiye, Pakistan will continue to play a constructive role in ensuring the defence of… pic.twitter.com/qdemVBYkLq
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 17, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for his supportive remarks, saying Pakistan would work with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye to help ensure the security and defense of their countries and the wider region.
Shehbaz also praised Trump’s “courageous and decisive leadership”, saying it had helped avert a nuclear catastrophe in South Asia and saved millions of lives. He stressed that durable peace was essential for a prosperous future.
The agreement’s mutual-defense clause resembles NATO’s Article 5, although its specific obligations remain unclear.
