Turkey Submits Mecca Defence Pact to Parliament

Turkey submitted the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement to parliament for ratification on October 20, bringing a proposed mutual-defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan into the Turkish legislative process. The agreement is not in force and requires ratification by all three countries before it takes effect. The pact, signed in Mecca on August 7, says an armed attack originating outside any one member state will be treated as an attack against all three. The parties would provide assistance after assessing the support required, within the limits of their available resources, including military means and capabilities, according to the agreement’s text. The text sets out wider cooperation in defence, security and industry, including intelligence sharing through agreed secure channels, joint training and exercises, and cooperation on technology and defence production. It also provides for reciprocal logistical support, including equipment, ammunition and fuel, subject to availability and compatibility. A Strategic Political and Defence Committee comprising the parties’ foreign and defence ministers and chiefs of general staff would guide cooperation. The committee is to meet twice...