Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said the “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement” signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye is “purely defensive” in nature and is not directed against any country. 

In a tweet on social media platform X, DPM Dar clarified that the agreement’s primary objective was to strengthen collective efforts for peace, stability and prosperity in the wider region. Dar said the Makkah Accord was not intended to create an exclusive security arrangement and remained open to any country in the region willing to uphold its fundamental principles. 

His clarification came amid growing discussion and interest surrounding the agreement, which was signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in Makkah on Friday, August 7. 

Dar said the accord reflected the “depth of the brotherly relations” between the leaderships and peoples of the three countries and was the culmination of years of discussions and coordination aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation.

In the light of ongoing discussion and interest surrounding the “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement” (The Makkah Accord) over the past two days, the following context and clarity on this Agreement may be useful for everyone to note: He said Makkah Joint Defence Agreement reflected the depth of the brotherly relations between the leadership and peoples of the three countries. 

The Makkah Accord is the culmination of years of discussions and coordination, with a common desire to strengthen strategic cooperation in addressing multifarious peace and security challenges and advancing regional peace, stability and prosperity. He said the Accord does not abrogate or replace any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements between these countries, or with other countries or organisations. 

DPM Dar said any external armed attack on any one of the three countries will be considered as an attack on all, consistent with the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. 

Dar said Makkah Accord is purely defensive in nature. It is not targeted against any country and its sole purpose is to further strengthen our ongoing efforts towards peace, stability and prosperity in the wider region. 

He said Makkah Accord remains open to any country in the region willing to uphold its fundamental principles and resolve differences through mutual respect, cooperation and peaceful means.