The defence agreement signed by Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia does not conflict with Ankara’s commitments to NATO, the Turkish government said.
Turkey’s government agency responsible for combating disinformation said on X that the agreement “does not contradict Turkey’s existing international alliance commitments, including those within NATO,” describing it instead as a complementary cooperation mechanism supporting regional security.
Ankara stressed that developing regional partnerships does not constitute an alternative to Turkey’s NATO membership, nor does the agreement represent an “aggressive military bloc.”
The trilateral agreement, signed in Mecca, does not target any third country or alliance, according to Turkish authorities. Its stated objectives include strengthening cooperation in the defence industry, military training, technology exchange and regional stability.
The Turkish authorities said their statement was intended to respond to what they described as “unfounded allegations” and “manipulative content” surrounding the agreement.
Turkey has the second-largest military in NATO by personnel and plays a significant role on the alliance’s eastern flank.
The agreement between the three US-allied countries comes amid heightened tensions and continuing conflict in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has sought to strengthen its security partnerships after facing Iranian retaliation over US strikes against Iran, while also dealing with renewed hostilities involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Source: ANA-MPA
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