Turkish Parliament Approves Mutual Defense Pact With Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, Treating Attack on One as Attack on All

Türkiye’s parliament has approved a trilateral defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan that treats an external armed attack on any member as an attack on all three, strengthening their military cooperation amid growing regional security tensions.

Lawmakers ratified the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement on November 5 by 279 votes to 119, clearing a major legislative hurdle for the pact signed by the three countries in Mecca on August 7.

The agreement covers mutual defense, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, joint military exercises, defense industry cooperation and logistical support.

Under its provisions, assistance to an attacked member requires a request from that country, with the nature and scope of support determined by mutual agreement.

The vote comes as Saudi Arabia faces attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi forces, raising questions about Türkiye’s potential military commitments under the pact.

Turkish officials said the agreement was not directed against any country and would complement rather than replace Ankara’s existing NATO commitments.

Any deployment of Turkish troops abroad would still require separate parliamentary authorization.

The agreement must complete the remaining ratification and entry-into-force procedures before becoming legally effective.