Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye are expected to sign a joint defence agreement in Jeddah today, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The agreement comes as regional powers strengthen security cooperation amid the ongoing United States-Iran conflict. Moreover, the crisis has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Sources said discussions on the defence pact had continued for a long time. However, recent regional developments accelerated efforts to finalize the agreement.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is scheduled to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Jeddah. Consequently, the high-level talks are expected to focus on defence and regional security.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a three-day visit. Meanwhile, President Erdogan is expected to arrive today.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the visit carries significance beyond the immediate Gulf tensions. He added that it will strengthen bilateral ties and promote regional stability.
Andrabi also said defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia extends well beyond naval collaboration. Therefore, both countries continue expanding military cooperation across several strategic sectors.
The prime minister’s meeting with the Saudi crown prince will also cover bilateral relations and regional developments. Furthermore, both sides will discuss ways to deepen strategic cooperation.
Pakistan has maintained diplomatic engagement with regional partners to encourage dialogue and reduce tensions. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held separate conversations with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding Middle East developments.
Islamabad says it remains committed to supporting peaceful solutions and greater regional cooperation through sustained diplomatic efforts.
