New power bloc? Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan set to sign defence pact
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are expected to sign a joint defence agreement in Jeddah on Friday, according to sources close to the Saudi military and government, as regional powers deepen security cooperation amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
The agreement comes against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran, which has affected Gulf security and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
"It was under discussion for a long time, but the latest developments in the region expedited it," a source close to the Saudi military said on condition of anonymity.
A second source close to the Saudi government, also speaking anonymously, confirmed that the agreement is scheduled to be signed on Friday.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to hold talks in the Red Sea city of Jeddah with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Sharif and Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a visit that will continue until Saturday, while Erdogan is expected to arrive on Friday, according to the Turkish presidency.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the visit is taking place from August 6 to 8.
"Although taking place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Gulf, the visit will carry significance beyond the immediate crisis and short-term considerations," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday.
The three countries have been the subject of speculation for months over the possibility of forming a broader strategic alliance.
Pakistan has sought to mediate efforts to end the US-Iran conflict, while Turkey has been involved in diplomatic initiatives aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan had previously announced a bilateral defence pact in 2025, drawing international attention as Pakistan remains the only nuclear-armed country in the Muslim world.