By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, Aug. 8, 2026 – Somalia's Ministry of Defence welcomed on Friday a joint defence agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, saying the pact represents an important step toward strengthening collective security and defence cooperation.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed on Friday, states that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all three.
The agreement was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Mecca, Reuters reported.
In a statement, Somalia's Defence Ministry congratulated the three countries on the agreement and said it would contribute to developing defence cooperation and establishing a strategic partnership to address shared security challenges.
The ministry said the agreement would support efforts to promote regional and international security and stability and strengthen cooperation, solidarity and shared responsibility.
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The three countries have described the agreement as defensive and said it is not directed against a specific country or intended to create a military bloc.
Somalia is not a party to the agreement. Its Defence Ministry's statement was limited to congratulating Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan and expressing support for the pact.
The agreement comes amid heightened security tensions in the Middle East and growing efforts by regional powers to strengthen defence cooperation.