Turkey Saudi Arabia Pakistan sign defense pact Aug 7 2026

The leaders of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are expected to sign a joint defense agreement on Friday, August 7, 2026, in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant consolidation of security ties among three major regional powers. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is traveling to the kingdom for a one-day working visit to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, August 6, accompanied by Pakistan's military chief, for a multi-day official visit.

The anticipated pact builds upon an existing Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September 2025. Sources familiar with the discussions indicate the new trilateral accord would extend that framework to include Turkey, though the specific provisions, including whether it contains a mutual defense clause, have not been officially disclosed. Officials from the three governments have not publicly confirmed the agreement, leaving open the possibility of a more modest joint statement.

The move comes amid heightened regional instability, primarily driven by the ongoing conflict involving the United States,...