The Mecca Joint Defence Pact has sent a message of peace, unity and stronger cooperation in the Middle East, according to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said the agreement has brought Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan closer and created a stronger foundation for cooperation on security and regional stability.
Shehbaz Sharif made the remarks during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley at the prime minister’s residence in Islamabad on Friday, August 28.
Mecca Joint Defence Pact Strengthens Regional Cooperation
The Mecca Joint Defence Pact was signed at a trilateral summit held in Mecca on August 7. The agreement focuses on strengthening defence cooperation and improving security coordination among Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan.
The three countries also committed themselves to working together for peace, security and stability in the region and beyond.
A key part of the agreement is the principle that an attack on one of the participating countries can be considered an attack on all three. This is intended to strengthen collective security and improve cooperation when dealing with security challenges.
Read More:
- Bangladesh-Maldives Labor Market: New Opportunities for Workers
- Bangladesh Fiscal Year to Change from 2028-29
Pakistan has said that the pact is open to other countries in the region that are willing to follow its basic principles.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Deepen Their Partnership
During his meeting with the Saudi minister, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the close relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The prime minister said both countries should continue building on their strategic partnership. He also stressed the importance of expanding economic and agricultural cooperation.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been working to increase trade and investment between the two countries. Agriculture is one of the areas where both sides see further opportunities.
Shehbaz also expressed satisfaction with the constructive engagement between the two sides, especially regarding the export of agricultural products from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia.
Agriculture and Food Security Discussed | Mecca Joint Defence Pact
Agriculture and food security were important topics during the meeting in Islamabad.
The two sides discussed ways to improve agricultural production in Pakistan through technology, research and development. They also exchanged views on the more efficient use of water resources.
Better water management could play an important role in improving agricultural productivity and supporting food security.
The discussions also showed that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are looking beyond defence and political relations. Both countries are interested in developing practical cooperation in areas that can support their economies and people.
Pakistani Experts to Visit Riyadh
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a delegation of Pakistani agriculture experts would soon visit Riyadh.
The delegation is expected to continue discussions on agriculture and explore ways to make greater use of the opportunities available between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia’s Environment, Water and Agriculture Minister Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley also assured Pakistan of continued cooperation in agriculture, water resources and food security.
The planned visit is expected to provide another opportunity for officials and experts from both countries to discuss future cooperation.
Türkiye Joins Saudi Arabia and Pakistan | Mecca Joint Defence Pact
The Mecca Joint Defence Pact was signed by Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The agreement was signed during a summit at Al-Safa Palace in Mecca.
The three leaders agreed to strengthen collective security and work together to support peace, security and stability.
The agreement marks a significant step in defence cooperation among the three countries. It also reflects their shared interest in building stronger strategic ties.
Bangladesh Shows Interest in the Agreement | Mecca Joint Defence Pact
The possibility of the pact expanding beyond its founding members has also attracted attention.
Pakistan has said that the agreement is open to countries in the region that are willing to follow its basic principles.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said on Thursday that Bangladesh would positively consider joining the agreement if it receives an invitation from the founding members.
This indicates that the pact could potentially become a wider platform for regional cooperation if more countries decide to take part.
Mecca Pact Goes Beyond Defence | Mecca Joint Defence Pact
Although defence and security are central to the Mecca Joint Defence Pact, the wider relationship between the participating countries also includes economic and agricultural cooperation.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are already discussing trade, investment, agriculture, water management and food security.
The agreement has therefore created another platform for the three countries to strengthen their ties while supporting their shared goal of regional stability.
For Pakistan, stronger relations with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye could also create new opportunities in trade, investment and other areas of economic cooperation.
The Mecca Joint Defence Pact has brought Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan closer through a shared commitment to security and regional stability.
At the same time, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are working to expand cooperation in agriculture, trade, investment, water management and food security.
With the possibility of other regional countries joining the agreement, the pact could become an important part of future cooperation in the Middle East.
