Riyadh’s Kingdom Tower Illuminated for Makkah Pact
At a glance
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye signed the tripartite Makkah Defence Agreement.
- The pact aims to bolster strategic ties and collective security among the three nations.
- Riyadh's Kingdom Tower was illuminated with the flags of the signatory countries.
Story so far
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye have signed the Makkah Defence Agreement, a tripartite pact aimed at strengthening strategic ties and collective security. The agreement has received widespread support from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and other Islamic nations, as well as cross-party endorsement in Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif have welcomed the pact, which PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called a "historic milestone."
Latest development
Riyadh’s Kingdom Tower was illuminated with the flags of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, symbolizing the solidarity following the Makkah Defence Agreement.
Latest updates
In a display of solidarity following the signing of the Makkah Defence Agreement, Riyadh’s Kingdom Tower was illuminated with the flags of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has welcomed the newly signed Makkah Defence Agreement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a major statement regarding the tripartite Makkah Defence Agreement.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye have signed a tripartite defence pact, known as the Makkah Defence Agreement, in a move aimed at bolstering strategic ties and collective security.
The agreement has been widely welcomed, with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other Islamic nations expressing their support. In Pakistan, the pact has received cross-party endorsement.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari hailed the agreement as a "historic milestone" and a "guarantee for a stable and secure future" for the three signatory nations. He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their roles in making the pact possible, adding that it would strengthen Pakistan's defence capabilities and contribute to regional and global peace.
Similarly, Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, stated that the defence agreement would strengthen the unity and shared security of the Muslim Ummah.
Former US Ambassador Christopher Hill has described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a "major turning point." Discussions around the pact also include potential technology transfer and some refer to it as the "Muhammadi Pact," comparing it to the Abraham Accords. Additionally, Bilawal Bhutto has praised the Prime Minister and Field Marshal concerning the agreement.
The leaders of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey held a significant meeting in Makkah, culminating in the signing of a tripartite defence agreement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan offered Friday prayers together at the Masjid al-Haram. Reports indicate that Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir was also present.
Following the prayers, the three leaders signed the historic defence pact aimed at promoting joint defence cooperation, which is being viewed as a major step for regional security and strategic partnership.
During the visit, Prime Minister Sharif also held a bilateral meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Qasr Al-Safa palace in Makkah, where they discussed matters of mutual interest. Additionally, he met with President Erdoğan to discuss bilateral ties and the regional security situation.
The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
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