The Palestinian Authority, Bahrain and the Muslim World League have welcomed the new mutual defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, as Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari also hailed the pact as an important development that would promote peace, security and stability in the region and the world. In a statement issued on Friday, the Palestinian Presidency stressed that strengthening the capabilities of the nations and enhancing their integration and cooperation in protecting their security, sovereignty and legitimate interests constitute a fundamental pillar of regional stability and the preservation of their peoples' resources. The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the three countries' defense capabilities and military expertise, their roles in promoting regional security and stability, and their commitment to international agreements and conventions. The ministry described the agreement as a strategic partnership that contributes to safeguarding security and stability in the region and the world and strengthens the effect of joint deterrence. The MWL General Secretariat issued a statement commending the agreement, particularly its foundation in bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, which it said would strengthen collective security and contribute to peace, stability and prosperity across the region and the wider international community. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed the signing of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, describing it as an important step toward promoting peace, security and stability in the region and beyond. Zardari said the agreement would strengthen the joint defense capabilities of the three countries and demonstrate their shared commitment to building a secure, stable and prosperous future for their peoples. On Friday, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement,” under which “any armed attack on any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against them all.”
