Islamabad (TDI): Turkiye is reportedly in advanced discussions to become part of a mutual defense arrangement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, a development that could signal a significant shift in regional security dynamics, according to a Bloomberg report published on Friday.
Sources cited by Bloomberg said that talks have progressed substantially and that an agreement is now highly probable.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formalised a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement last September during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Under the pact, both countries committed to treating any attack on one as an act of aggression against the other.
Bloomberg noted that Turkiye’s inclusion would be a logical step, given the growing convergence of interests among Ankara, Riyadh, and Islamabad across South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. The report added that Turkiye views the arrangement as a means to strengthen collective security at a time when confidence in long-standing Western alliances, particularly the United States and Nato, has come under strain, especially during President Donald Trump’s tenure.
Analysts cited by Bloomberg highlighted the complementary strengths of the three countries: Saudi Arabia’s financial influence, Pakistan’s nuclear capability and military manpower, and Turkiye’s operational experience alongside a rapidly advancing defense industry.
Read More: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Reaffirm Defense Cooperation
Bloomberg said Turkiye’s potential entry into the pact would mark a new phase in its relationship with Saudi Arabia, following years of strained ties. Both countries have recently expanded cooperation in economic and defense sectors, including holding their first-ever naval talks in Ankara earlier this week.
The report also pointed out that Riyadh and Ankara share concerns regarding Iran, favouring diplomatic engagement over military confrontation.
Turkiye’s defense cooperation with Pakistan has already expanded considerably. Ankara has supplied corvette warships to the Pakistan Navy and has been involved in upgrading the Pakistan Air Force’s F-16 fleet. It is also sharing drone technology with both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and has invited them to participate in its Kaan fifth-generation fighter jet program.
Read More: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Defense Pact: A Potential Game Changer for the Region
Bloomberg noted that these discussions come shortly after a ceasefire between Pakistan and India brought an end to a brief but intense military standoff in May. The report also referenced Pakistan’s ongoing tensions with Afghanistan, as well as unsuccessful mediation efforts by Turkiye and Qatar.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have historically maintained close ties based on defense cooperation, economic support, and religious affinity. Riyadh has long played a key role in supporting Pakistan through financial assistance and energy supplies.
