JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye are expected to sign a trilateral defence agreement in Jeddah on Friday, according to media reports quoting sources, in a move that could significantly strengthen security cooperation among the three countries.
The agreement is expected to be signed during high-level talks between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Regional security concerns
The anticipated pact comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the conflict between the United States and Iran, which has affected Gulf security and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Sources and media reports said the agreement was under discussion for a long time.
Leaders gather in Jeddah
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a visit scheduled to continue until Saturday.
President Erdogan is expected to arrive in Jeddah on Friday, according to Turkey’s presidential communications office.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the visit by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is taking place from 6 to 8 August.
“Although taking place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Gulf, the visit carries significance beyond the immediate crises and short-term considerations. It will further strengthen bilateral relations, deepen strategic cooperation, enhance coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest, and also reinforce multilateral cooperation.” Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday.
Strategic partnership
The three countries have been the subject of months of speculation over a possible strategic alliance aimed at expanding defence and security cooperation.
Pakistan has sought to mediate efforts to end the conflict between the United States and Iran, while Turkiye has remained diplomatically engaged in efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan announced a bilateral defence partnership in 2025, reflecting growing military cooperation between the two countries.
The expected trilateral agreement would further broaden that relationship by formally bringing Turkiye into the framework.
The proposed pact is widely seen as an effort to deepen defence coordination, intelligence cooperation and regional security cooperation at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty across the Middle East.
