Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are expected to sign a landmark trilateral defence agreement on Friday. The pact could reshape West Asia's security landscape by creating a unified military alliance among three major Islamic nations.
Three Countries Finalise Agreement
The three countries have completed negotiations on the proposed alliance. A senior Turkish intelligence source told CNN-News18 that leaders from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have finalised, reviewed and approved all key terms of the agreement. The alliance is now ready for formal signing.
Leaders Arrive in Saudi Arabia
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to arrive on Friday to attend the signing ceremony.
Pact Expands Existing Defence Partnership
The new agreement builds on the mutual defence pact that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed last year. Since then, reports have suggested that both countries wanted to expand the partnership by bringing in other West Asian and South Asian nations. Many observers have described the proposed alliance as an "Islamic Nato."
If signed, the agreement will bring together three of the largest and most influential Islamic countries under one military framework.
Alliance Combines Key Strengths
The new alliance will use the strengths of all three members. Saudi Arabia will contribute financial resources, regional influence and strategic depth. Turkey will provide advanced military technology, especially drone capabilities, along with its NATO-standard defence industry.
Pakistan will contribute its nuclear capabilities and its experienced military. Together, the three countries aim to build a stronger regional security network.
Pact Focuses on Defence Cooperation
The agreement will expand cooperation in several areas. The three countries will hold joint military exercises. They will share intelligence and defence technology. They will also cooperate in defence manufacturing and military planning.
Saudi-Pakistan Defence Deal Forms the Base
The trilateral pact builds on the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence agreement signed last year. Under that deal, Pakistan agreed to deploy around 25,000 troops to Saudi Arabia. The deployment includes armoured units, artillery, infantry, rocket forces, two air force squadrons and two naval fleets.
The troops will help strengthen Saudi Arabia's security, take part in joint operations and train Saudi forces. In return, Saudi Arabia agreed to invest about $10 billion in Pakistan.
If the three countries sign the agreement as expected, they will create a major new defence bloc and strengthen military cooperation across West Asia.