Türkiye publishes law ratifying Mecca defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan

Türkiye’s Official Gazette published the ratification law for the Mecca Mutual Defense Agreement signed with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on August 7. The agreement considers any external armed attack on one of the three countries an attack on all of them, a day after the Turkish Parliament approved it.

Türkiye’s Official Gazette published, in its November 14 issue, Law No. 7597 ratifying the Mecca Mutual Defense Agreement between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, signed in Mecca on August 7, 2026, thereby bringing the law into force.

The Turkish Parliament approved the agreement on November 13 by 279 votes to 119. During the debate, AK Party MP Ziya Altun Yıldız said the agreement was not directed against any country and that its purpose was not to escalate conflicts but to prevent them from breaking out.

The 16-article agreement, signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stipulates that any external armed attack targeting one of the three countries shall be considered an attack on all of them. The other two countries shall provide assistance in accordance with their means and capabilities, based on the right of legitimate self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, while the scope and nature of the support will be determined by agreement among the parties.

قادة تركيا والسعودية وباكستان ودول عربية وإسلامية خلال اجتماع متعدد الأطراف في نيويورك في سبتمبر 2025

The agreement covers personnel exchanges between the armed forces; joint training programs and exercises; technology exchanges, development and joint production in the defense industries; intelligence sharing through secure communication channels; and reciprocal logistical support involving weapons, ammunition, fuel and spare parts during peacetime, wartime and emergencies. It also provides for enhanced operational cooperation in combating terrorism.

It also calls for the formation of a political and defense strategic committee comprising the foreign and defense ministers and chiefs of staff of the three countries, which will meet twice a year on a rotating basis. The agreement will remain in force indefinitely, and no party may withdraw from it during the first 10 years. After that period, a party may withdraw by providing written notice at least three months in advance.

Türkiye publishes law ratifying Mecca defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan