ISLAMABAD: Recent statements by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan haveignited speculation about Türkiye’s potential inclusion in a strategicdefence framework linking Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. In response to adirect query from a reporter regarding Türkiye’s interest in joining aregional alliance akin to the one established between Pakistan and SaudiArabia, Fidan acknowledged that discussions are actively underway. Heclarified, however, that no formal agreement has been signed as of now.This revelation arrives amid reports from international media indicatingadvanced negotiations, raising questions about the emergence of asignificant new security arrangement in the Muslim world.
The foundation of this potential trilateral structure traces back toSeptember 2025, when Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formalized the StrategicMutual Defence Agreement in Riyadh. Signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifand Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the pact stipulates that anyaggression against one nation shall be regarded as an attack on both. Thiscollective defence clause closely resembles Article 5 of the NATO treaty,under which an armed attack against one ally is considered an attackagainst all. The agreement formalized longstanding military ties, includingtroop deployments, training programs, and arms cooperation that date backdecades.
International observers have highlighted the strategic logic behindexpanding this bilateral pact to include Türkiye. Analysts note converginginterests among the three nations across South Asia, the Middle East, andparts of Africa. Türkiye brings extensive military experience, a robust andrapidly growing defence industry specializing in drones and advancedweaponry, while Pakistan contributes nuclear deterrence, ballistic missilecapabilities, and substantial manpower. Saudi Arabia provides substantialfinancial resources and geopolitical influence in the Gulf region.Together, these elements could create a formidable deterrent against sharedthreats.
The prospect of Türkiye’s participation underscores a notable evolution inAnkara-Riyadh relations. For years, the two countries competed forleadership within the Sunni Muslim world, resulting in strained diplomaticties. Recent years have witnessed reconciliation, driven by mutual economicinterests and aligned positions on regional stability. Both nations favorengagement with Iran over direct confrontation and support Palestinianstatehood alongside a stable, Sunni-led Syria. This rapprochement has pavedthe way for deeper defence and economic collaboration, setting the stagefor broader security cooperation.
Geopolitical dynamics further propel these discussions. Uncertaintiessurrounding United States commitments under the current administration,particularly regarding NATO reliability, have prompted middle powers toseek diversified security arrangements. Türkiye, as NATO’s second-largestmilitary contributor, hosts American nuclear assets but seeks greaterstrategic autonomy. Similarly, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia pursue hedgingstrategies amid volatile regional tensions involving Iran and other actors.The proposed alliance thus represents a proactive response to shiftingglobal power balances.
Fidan’s cautious phrasing emphasizes the importance of mutual trust amongregional states as a prerequisite for meaningful cooperation. He suggestedthat once countries achieve confidence in one another’s intentions, asignificant portion of security challenges could be resolved throughcollective platforms. This approach aligns with broader calls for regionalstability initiatives that prioritize internal solutions over externalinterventions. While negotiations continue, the absence of a signeddocument indicates that technical and political details remain underdeliberation.
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The potential trilateral pact has drawn attention for its implications onregional power dynamics. If formalized, it could enhance deterrence andfoster greater coordination on shared concerns, including counteringextremism and ensuring maritime security. However, it also invites scrutinyregarding its impact on existing alliances and broader internationalrelations. Pakistan maintains that the original bilateral agreement isdefensive in nature and not directed against any third country, a positionlikely to extend to any expanded framework.
As talks progress, the international community watches closely forindications of formal announcements. The convergence of military strengthsfrom three key Muslim-majority nations holds the promise of a more balancedsecurity architecture in an increasingly multipolar world. Whether thisevolves into a fully operational alliance will depend on sustaineddiplomatic efforts and alignment of strategic priorities.Defence Agreement
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