The Ministry of Defense of Turkey reported that Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan plan to establish high-level coordination mechanisms, conduct joint military exercises, and deepen cooperation in the defense industry within the framework of a military pact signed between the three countries last week.
On August 7, the three countries signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, which stipulates that an armed attack on any participant will be considered an attack on all, similar to Article 5 on collective defense of NATO. At the weekly briefing in Ankara on Thursday, the Turkish defense department stated that the main goal of the pact is to transition the defense and military ties between the countries to a “more institutional and sustainable” basis.
Cooperation mechanisms and joint exercises
According to the agreement, strategic political and military mechanisms involving defense ministers, foreign ministers, as well as chiefs of general staff and commanders of the armed forces are planned to be established. Coordination among the three countries will be carried out at the highest level, the ministry noted.
Joint military exercises involving land, naval, and air forces, air defense systems, and unmanned complexes are also planned. A separate focus is on deepening cooperation in the defense industry. This involves not only the supply of finished products and systems but also their joint development and production, technological partnership, as well as long-term technical maintenance and logistical support. Priority areas include unmanned and autonomous systems, electronic warfare, and artificial intelligence technologies.
Turkey, which has the second-largest army among NATO countries, stated that the pact with the nuclear state Pakistan and one of the leading oil exporters Saudi Arabia could be expanded. Among the potential participants is Egypt. At the same time, Ankara emphasizes that the agreement is not intended to replace any existing military alliances.
The ministry also reported that Turkey is participating in meetings in Jeddah aimed at creating an international coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea.
The situation in the Middle East
Commenting on the situation in the Middle East, the spokesman for the Turkish defense department, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, stated that lasting peace and stability in the region will only be possible if Israel ends its occupation and attacks in Gaza and Lebanon.
According to him, Israel continues attacks that deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as also reflected in the reports of the United Nations. “Israel’s rejection of the 15-point plan regarding Gaza was another indication that it is pursuing a policy of regional expansionism. On the other hand, despite the signed framework agreement, Israel continues its attacks and military operations in southern Lebanon“, said Aktürk, referring to the plan proposed by the United States.
“We once again emphasize that it is extremely important for the international community to take a more decisive and strong stance against Israel’s actions, adhering to international law and humanitarian values, to establish peace and stability in the region”, he added.
