US President Donald Trump has described the new defence agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan as a "big, bold and important first step" towards
the three countries defending themselves in a "more meaningful way". Trump's remarks on Sunday came days after Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. "Very happy to see that Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have recently, and finally, signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. It shows how the Middle East is coming together, and how countries will finally be able to defend themselves in a more meaningful way," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "Congratulations to the Great Leadership of the three Nations mentioned. THIS IS A BIG, BOLD, AND IMPORTANT FIRST STEP — WOW," Trump wrote. The agreement was signed in Mecca on August 7 by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Under the agreement, an armed attack on any one of the three countries will be treated as an attack on all three. The pact also provides for greater military coordination, joint exercises and cooperation in defence technology and military industries. The agreement comes amid rising tensions and security concerns in the region. The three countries have said that the pact is defensive in nature and is not intended to create a military or sectarian bloc. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have also agreed to support diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Iran and the United States. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested that Egypt could also join the arrangement. He said Cairo's participation was "possible" and indicated that the agreement could accommodate more members. "This agreement has sent an important message to the world," Erdogan said. India has said it is assessing the impact of the agreement on its national security as well as regional peace and stability. "As far as this agreement is concerned, we are examining its implications both from the perspective of India's national security and considerations of regional peace and stability," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on August 11. "India remains fully committed to safeguarding its national interests and will take all necessary measures in this regard," Jaiswal said.
