JEDDAH/ISLAMABAD: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and a number of other countries on Saturday welcomed the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye.
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha expressed his “strong appreciation and support” for the agreement, describing it as an “important strategic step” reflecting the three countries’ commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation, according to a statement by the organisation.
Taha said the agreement constitutes “a fundamental pillar for supporting security and stability in the region and across the Muslim world.” He added that it embodies a shared determination to address growing security challenges and strengthen solidarity and constructive partnerships among OIC member states.
The OIC chief also praised the efforts and leadership of the three countries that culminated in the signing of what he called a “historic agreement.”
He expressed hope that the pact would contribute to achieving peace and prosperity in the region and the wider international community.
Several regional countries also welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, describing it as a step toward strengthening collective security, defence cooperation and regional stability.
Somalia described the agreement as a historic step toward strengthening collective security and defence cooperation. In a statement, the Defence Ministry said the agreement establishes a strategic partnership capable of addressing shared security challenges while advancing long-term defence cooperation among the three countries.
The ministry said it was confident the pact would make a significant contribution to enhancing regional peace and stability and reinforce the principles of cooperation, solidarity and shared responsibility. It added that the agreement would serve the interests of the peoples of the region while supporting international peace and security.
Bahrain called the development a strategic partnership that would strengthen deterrence and contribute to regional and international security and stability.
The Foreign Ministry highlighted the countries’ established defence capabilities, extensive military experience and longstanding roles in promoting regional security and stability. It said the agreement represents a strategic partnership among equal partners, with each contributing its capabilities toward preserving regional and global security.
According to the ministry, the pact complements the Gulf Cooperation Council’s collective defence system, enhances its effectiveness and reinforces regional security through solidarity, integration and partnership among brotherly countries. The ministry reiterated that Saudi Arabia’s security is an integral part of Bahrain’s own security, and affirmed support for efforts to safeguard regional stability, protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and advance political solutions to regional issues. The Palestinian Authority also welcomed the new defence agreement. In a statement, the Palestinian Presidency stressed that strengthening the capabilities of the nations and enhancing their integration and cooperation in protecting their security, sovereignty and legitimate interests constitute a fundamental pillar of regional stability and the preservation of their peoples’ resources.
The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the three countries’ defence capabilities and military expertise, their roles in promoting regional security and stability, and their commitment to international agreements and conventions.
The ministry described the agreement as a strategic partnership that contributes to safeguarding security and stability in the region and the world and strengthens the effect of joint deterrence.
The Muslim World League (MWL) General Secretariat issued a statement commending the agreement, particularly its foundation in bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, which it said would strengthen collective security and contribute to peace, stability and prosperity across the region and the wider international community.
Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement”, under which “any armed attack on any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against them all.”
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the summit held at Al-Safa Palace.
According to information obtained from Turkish officials, the agreement is a defence-oriented cooperation arrangement that targets no country and is designed to strengthen commitments to regional and global peace, stability and prosperity through burden-sharing and a common security approach.
The agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression and stipulates that an armed attack against any one of the three countries shall be regarded as an attack against them all.
Comments