ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates has remained silent over the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The UAE has neither welcomed the agreement nor issued an official statement about the trilateral defence pact.
A core reason that may keep UAE away from the Makkah Agreement is the Emirates tilt towards Israel and India, who appear upset over this defence pact.
Meanwhile, Kuwait has warmly welcomed the agreement and congratulated Pakistan on its signing. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah spoke with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. It indicates that Kuwait can shot interest in joining this defence alliance.
The Kuwaiti minister congratulated Dar during the telephone conversation. They also discussed regional developments, including the situation in occupied East Jerusalem.
Furthermore, the two officials reviewed Pakistan-Kuwait relations and explored opportunities for greater investment and economic cooperation.
They also discussed progress following Sheikh Jarrah’s recent visit to Islamabad. Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement amid continuing regional developments.
Dar Briefs Canada on Defence Agreement
Dar also discussed the Makkah agreement with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The two ministers exchanged views on regional developments and the new defence pact.
Dar explained that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye seek to strengthen regional peace, stability and security through collective defence cooperation.
The agreement was signed in Makkah on August 7 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Under the pact, an armed attack against one member will be treated as an attack against all three. The agreement aims to strengthen deterrence and deepen military cooperation between Islamabad, Riyadh and Ankara.
