A three-country defense pact before Türkiye’s parliament would require help for a partner attacked by another state, but sending Turkish forces abroad would need a separate authorization.
The pact’s submission to parliament on Oct. 20 started the ratification process. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on Aug. 7. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry says the pact treats an armed attack on one signatory as an attack on all three.
Reuters, which reviewed the 16-article draft, reported that its aid provision applies when one or more countries launch an armed attack or military aggression against a signatory. Each government would decide the form and extent of its support after assessing the member’s needs.
The draft also addresses defense industry cooperation, intelligence sharing and logistics, Reuters reported. Al Jazeera reported that it covers joint training and proposes a committee of foreign and defense ministers from all three countries.
The countries’ strategic, political and defense committee said Oct. 5 that it had decided to begin implementing the pact and take steps toward rapid deployment of agreed forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia, subject to national laws. It described collective deterrence as the aim and condemned attacks on Saudi cities and economic facilities. The decision did not authorize a Turkish troop deployment.
Türkiye’s Defense Ministry said Oct. 15 that lawmakers must approve the treaty and separately authorize any deployment of Turkish forces abroad. It said Saudi Arabia’s needs, operational requirements, conditions on the ground, assessments by Turkish authorities and agreement between the parties would shape Türkiye’s contribution.
Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu said Oct. 20 that his party would oppose provisions it judged contrary to Türkiye’s interests. He warned that the agreement could worsen regional conflict.
The agreement is to go to parliament’s foreign affairs commission. Reuters cited a source who said the commission could debate it as early as Oct. 23.
