Turkiye approves Makkah defence pact

ISTANBUL:

A law approving Türkiye's ratification of a joint defence agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was published on Saturday in the country's Official Gazette

The law covers the "Makkah Agreement for Joint Defence Between the Republic of Türkiye, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," signed in Makkah on August 7.

Under the legislation, the law takes effect upon publication. Turkish parliament approved the measure with 279 votes to 119 on November 5.

A total of 398 lawmakers participated in the vote in the 592-member parliament.

Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement during a trilateral summit in the holy city on Aug 7.

Under the agreement, the three countries pledged to strengthen collective security, deepen defence cooperation and promote peace and stability in the region and beyond.