Doha: Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz on Friday described the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan as a "historic step" that would strengthen the region's security architecture. In a statement on the Turkish social media platform "NSosyal", Yilmaz stressed that the agreement was "not directed against any country."
According to Qatar News Agency, Yilmaz expressed hope that the strategic cooperation established in the security field would expand into economic areas. "We expect the spirit of strategic cooperation established in the field of security through this agreement to also accelerate economic cooperation, particularly in connectivity, trade, finance and investment," he said. He noted that regional partnerships were becoming increasingly important at a time when global institutions and rules were weakening.
Relatedly, head of the Turkish Presidency's Communications, Burhanettin Duran, stated that the Makkah Agreement for Joint Defense, signed between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, represents a historic step to strengthen their shared history, deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood, and strong will for solidarity on a strategic basis. Duran explained that the agreement, which is not directed against any specific country, will enhance the collective security and deterrence capabilities of the three nations, advance cooperation in defense industries and joint military operations to higher levels, and significantly contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region.