Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan aim to expand defense pact to Muslim world
by@Reuters
Summary
A defense pact involving Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan may soon expand to include other countries in the Muslim world, possibly even Iran, according to Turkey's Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus. Signed in August, the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement stipulates that an attack on one member is viewed as an attack on all, mirroring NATO's Article 5. As preparations continue, Kurtulmus noted that the agreement would require parliamentary approval, expected when the Turkish parliament reconvenes in October. He emphasized that the pact is not aimed at any specific nation, including Iran, and expressed hope that it could strengthen regional security amidst ongoing conflicts and hostile policies.
Analysis
Turkey: The Republic of Turkey is a NATO member and influential regional power in the Middle East and broader Muslim world. It co-signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in August to enhance collective security amid ongoing regional conflicts. Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus highlighted the pact's potential to expand inclusively without targeting any specific country. Pakistan: The Islamic Republic of Pakistan maintains significant military capabilities and strategic partnerships across the region. It participated in the August signing of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement alongside Turkey and Saudi Arabia to address shared security concerns. Pakistani military leaders are expected to join upcoming discussions on supporting the alliance's objectives. Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a leading Gulf state focused on regional stability and defense cooperation. It joined Turkey and Pakistan in signing the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in August, which features a mutual defense commitment modeled on NATO's Article 5. Riyadh has been hosting preparatory meetings with the other signatories to define implementation parameters. Numan Kurtulmus: Numan Kurtulmus serves as Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. He stated that the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement is not aimed at any particular nation and expressed hope it could evolve into a broader pact for the Muslim world open to Iran's participation. Kurtulmus indicated the agreement is likely to reach parliament for ratification after the body reconvenes in October. Defense Pact: The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August, includes a provision that an attack on one signatory is considered an attack on all, similar to NATO's Article 5. Regional Scope: Turkish officials have stated the pact aims to bolster security for states in the region amid conflicts and Israel's policies, with potential for expansion to include other Muslim-majority countries. Ratification Timeline: Preparatory meetings are underway, with the agreement expected to be submitted for Turkish parliamentary approval when the body returns from recess in October.
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