Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are expected to sign a trilateral defence agreement on Friday, marking a significant step in expanding strategic cooperation among the three countries, security sources said.
The agreement will be signed in Saudi Arabia, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The summit comes as regional powers intensify diplomatic efforts to address conflicts across the Middle East, including Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, and tensions involving Iran.
Leaders gather in Jeddah
Sharif and Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a visit lasting through Saturday, while Turkish President Erdogan will be traveling to the kingdom on Friday for a one-day working visit.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the meeting carries significance beyond the current regional tensions, describing it as an opportunity to deepen long-term strategic cooperation.
The three countries have been the focus of months of speculation over a possible strategic alliance.
Pakistan has played a mediating role in efforts to end the US-Iran conflict, while Türkiye has remained actively engaged in diplomatic initiatives aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a bilateral defence pact in 2025, drawing international attention because Pakistan is the Muslim world's only nuclear-armed state.
The new trilateral agreement is expected to further strengthen defence and security coordination among the three nations.
