WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump welcomes Türkiye and Pakistan defence support for Saudi Arabiaa under a new collective defence arrangement involving the three countries, saying he viewed the move positively.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday before departing for Texas, Trump was asked about the decision by Türkiye and Pakistan to provide military support to Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Defence Alliance.
“I think they want to help Saudi Arabia, and I think that’s great,” Trump said.
Trump welcomes Türkiye and Pakistan defence support for Saudi Arabia
The comments came after Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan held an emergency meeting in Riyadh on Monday to strengthen their joint defence framework and discuss measures to support Saudi Arabia’s security.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the discussions focused on strengthening Saudi Arabia’s defence while also exploring diplomatic and peaceful ways to address regional tensions.
The alliance was established in August by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, with the three countries subsequently agreeing to develop permanent institutions and strengthen collective deterrence and defence capabilities.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the three countries agreed that military forces and capabilities could be rapidly deployed to Saudi Arabia under the alliance’s framework.
The countries also condemned attempts to target the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and reaffirmed their commitment to responding to attacks against Saudi Arabia and Islamic holy sites.
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said the alliance remained committed to protecting the kingdom and strengthening collective deterrence against threats.
Türkiye prepares defence agreement for parliamentary approval
Türkiye is expected to submit its defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to parliament, according to a spokesperson for the governing Justice and Development (AK) Party.
The parliamentary process could pave the way for further implementation of the agreement, including potential Turkish military deployment to Saudi Arabia.
The developments come amid continuing security concerns linked to Houthi attacks in the region.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Saudi facilities, airports and military sites. Saudi authorities have also reported attempts to target Makkah and Madinah in recent years.
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Yemen has remained embroiled in conflict since the Houthis seized Sanaa and other parts of the country in 2014. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 in support of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
Renewed fighting between Houthi forces and government-aligned forces has added to regional security concerns, while tensions involving Red Sea shipping have further complicated the situation.
