FOLLOWING its submission for parliamentary approval, Turkish state broadcaster TRT Haber and other outlets have published the text of the Makkah Joint Defence agreement. The 16 articles of the trilateral defence agreement are reproduced here.

The Government of the Republic of Turkiye, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (hereinafter referred to as a `party`, the `parties`, or the `core parties`).

Article 1: The `parties` shall cooperate to ensure and safeguard one another`s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of ANKARA: Turkiye has submitted the Makkah defence pact to parliament for ratification, moving Nato`s second-largest army closer to a formal mutual defence pledge with Riyadh as it continues to face Houthi attacks.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed theMakkah Joint Defence Agreement in August, under which an armed attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

The provision, similar to Nato`s Article 5, refers to Article 51 of the UN Charter, which covers the individual or collective right of states to self-defence against armed attacks.

All three members have agreed to use `all necessarymeans`to eliminate threats to one another`s territorial integrity, sovereignty or internationally recognised borders, as per the text seen by Reuters.The agreement will enter into force upon the deposit of the ratification documents with the secretariat in Riyadh, and will remain valid indefinitely.

The parties may not withdraw from the agreement for the first 10 years.

While Pakistan has made it clear that `collective deterrence measures` under the trilateral defence agreement are `already in play`, Ankara still requires formal parliamentary ratification for the agreement. According to official sources, Pakistan follows an executive-led treaty-making system, where the federal government`s ratification is enough for subjects in the federal legislative list.

According to Article 90 of the Constitution, `the executive authority of the Federation shall be exercised in the name of the President by the Federal Government, consisting of the Prime Minister and the Federal Ministers, which shall act through the Prime Minister, who shall be the chief executive of the Federation.

However, under Turkiye`s constitution, separate permission from parliament is required to deploy troops abroad, regardless of any international agreement.

According to the Reuters news agency, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtu-lmus, currently visiting Kyrgyzstan, is expected to refer the agreement to parliament`s foreign affairs commission upon his return, which could debate the agreement as early as Friday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan`s communications director, Burhanettin Duran, said that Turkiye`s recent step marked an important milestone towards the institutionalisation of strategic cooperation between the three nations.

`This strategic partnership developed between our countries aims to strengthen collective deterrence, enhance joint capabilities in the defence sector, and safeguard security and stability in our region, Duran said in a post on X.

A Turkish official, who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, said Turkiye`s own contribution was expected to be limited to military equipment, intelligence sharing andweapons systems, adding that no other form of deployment had taken place under the alliance so far.

Asked how Turkiye could help Saudi Arabia defend against attacks by Yemen`s Houthis, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that the Makkah Agreement was not an `offensive agreement,` adding that Turkiye would not send troops to another country to carry out attacks on its territory.

Although not part of the Makkah alliance, Egypt`s parliament is also expected to vote on authorising potential military support for Saudi Arabia on Oct 26.

Ahead of its submission for parliamentary approval, the contents of the agreement were published in full for the first time by Turkish state broadcaster, TRT Haber.

Turkiye, which has a robust defence industry, has condemned Houthi attackson Saudi Arabia, expressed willingness to help meet Riyadh`s military technology needs and agreed to join a Saudi-led coalition to ensure navigational safety in the Red Sea.

The agreement also envisages close cooperation on defence industry, intelligence sharing, logistical support and the fight against `all means of terrorism,` including at the oper ational level.

Defence deal Meanwhile, TRT World also reporte d that Turkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia are expected to sign a defence industry cooperation memorandum today (Wednesday).

The signing will be held in Qatar, which is also expected to announce plans to establish a local defence production hub, the Gulf state`s Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thanitold the Global Security ForuminDohaonMonday.

Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler will travel to Doha for the signing.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was also in Doha for the security forum, is expected to represent Pakistan at the signing.

Earlier, Mr Naqvi met with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who also commands Qatar`s Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya). The two discussed the current regional situation and matters concerning regional peace and stability, the state-run APP news agency reported.

During their meeting, the two men agreed to expand the security partnership between Pakistan and Qatar. They also held detailed discussions on expanding cooperation in areas related to internal security.-Monitoring Desk/Agencies their internationally recognised borders. If the territorial integrity, sovereignty, or internationally recognised borders of any of the `parties` are threatened or endangered, the `parties` shall use all necessary means to eliminate such threat(s) or danger(s).

Article 2: An externally originating armed attack against any of the `parties` shall be considered an attack against all the `parties.` If one of the `parties` is subjected to an armed attack or military aggression by another country or group of countries, the `parties` shall immediately assist the attacked `party,` making full use of all means of mutual assistance that they can provide to one another. For this purpose, to enable the exercise of the right of self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, the `parties` shall determine the scope and nature of the support to be provided following an objective assessment of the assistance required, and shall cooperate within the limits of their available resources, including military means and capabilities.

Article 3: Pursuant to Article 2 of this agreement, the `parties` shall cooperate closely in the fields of defence, defence industry, and security; develop relations among their Armed Forces; and carry out agreed activities aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence.

Article 4: The `parties` shall hold regular consultations on international security matters. They shall continuously and effectively assist one another and cooperate in developing individual and joint measures based on common assessments, in order to protect their vital interests and national security and eliminate threats and dangers to their national security.

Article 5: The `parties` shall strengthen existing cooperation and joint efforts, including at the operational level, in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations that adversely affect regional and international stability and security.

Article 6: In wartime and peacetime, the `parties` shall encourage reciprocal personnel exchanges among defence institutions, joint training programmes and exercises, and deployments and activities aimed at increasing the interoperability of the `parties`` armed forces, in order to develop their defence capabilities.

Article 7: To strengthen their defence capabilities, the `parties` shall, on the basis of mutual agreement, support technology sharing among defenceindustry institutions, joint technology development, joint production, and cooperation among defence-industry organisations in the following areas: a) Encouraging joint production in the field of defence;b) Implementing defence innovation through joint research and development projectsintechnologiesrequiring specialised expertise; c) Training personnel and supporting the military industry within the territories of the `parties` through experts from any `party` d) Sharing expertise and lessons learned in the fields of defence industry, defence research and development, and innovation; e) Other areas of cooperation mutually agreed upon by the `parties`.

Article 8: 1. The `core parties` shall establish a `Strategic Political and Defence Committee`, comprising the Foreign Ministers, Defence Ministers, and Chiefs of General Staff of the `parties` to provide strategic direction for joint defence, develop defence and security cooperation among the `parties` and address obstacles that may arise during the implementation of this agreement.

The Committee shall meet twice ayear, with hosting rotating among the `parties`. The leaders of the `parties` may meet once a year if deemed necessary.

2. The `Strategic Political and Defence Committee` may establish subcommittees if it considers this necessary.

3. Agreements or protocols shall, where necessary, be negotiated among the `parties` for the implementation of the areas of cooperation envisaged in this agreement.

4. The `Strategic Political and Defence Committee` shall be authorised, by consensus of the `core parties`, to determine and approve the procedures and principles governing the accession of other `parties` to this agreement.

5. A Secretariat headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shallbe established to serve the `Strategic Political and Defence Committee`. The Secretariat shall conclude a headquarters agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The procedures and principles governing the Secretariat`s functioning, organisational structure, and establishment shall subsequently be determined by consensus of the `core parties`.

6. The Secretariat shallbeheadedby a Secretary-General appointed for a three-year term on a rotational basis among the `core parties`. The first Secretary-General shall be a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

7. The provisions of this Article shall not prejudice the work of existing military cooperation committees among the `parties`.

Article 9: To deepen cooperation in intelligence and provide the necessary coordination in this regard, the `parties` shall share intelligence through mutually agreed secure channels, while observing information security, data protection and confidentiality.

Article 10: Subject to the availability and compatibility of logistical support services,the`parties`shallprovide oneanother with logistical support in peacetime, wartime, and other emergencies, including weapons, ammunition, fuel, spare parts, and other equipment.

Article 11: Without prejudice to international law and the relevant domestic laws of the `parties`, the `parties` shall accept this agreement as the legal basis for implementing its provisions and shall propose additional legal measures where necessary.

Article 12: This agreement shall not prejudice the rights and obligations of the `parties` arising from international agreements they have previously concluded.

Article 13: 1. The `parties` shall respect the confidentiality of classified information and documents obtained under this agreement and shall respect national legislation.

2. Classified information and documents shall not be shared with any state, company, or person outside the `parties`.

3. Access to classified information and documents shall be provided on a `need-to-know` basis and only to persons holding the appropriate level of security clearance.

Article 14: Any dispute arising from the interpretation or implementation of this agreement shall be settled amicably through consultations and discussions among the `parties`.

Article 15: This agreement may be amended through consultations and unanimous agreement among the `core parties`.

Article16: 1. This agreement shallbe ratified in accordance with the procedures applicable to each `party` and shall enter into force on the date on which the final instrument of ratification is deposited with the Secretariat of the `Strategic Political and Defence Committee`.

2. This agreement shall remain in force indefinitely.

3. Any `party` may withdraw from this agreement after 10 years have elapsed from its entry into force, by giving the other `parties` written notification of its intention to withdraw through diplomatic channels at least three months in advance.

4. Termination of this agreement or withdrawal from it shall not affect any ongoing activities or projects agreed upon by the `parties`before the date of termination or withdrawal.

5. The responsibilities of the `parties` concerning the protection of classified information and documents and the prevention of their disclosure shall continue after termination of this agreement or withdrawal from it.

This agreement has been signed in three original copies in the Turkish, Arabic, and English languages, each text being equally authentic. In the event of a difference in interpretation between the texts, the English text shall prevail. ANKARA: Turkiye has submitted the Makkah defence pact to parliament for ratification, moving Nato`s second-largest army closer to a formal mutual defence pledge with Riyadh as it continues to face Houthi attacks.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed theMakkah Joint Defence Agreement in August, under which an armed attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

The provision, similar to Nato`s Article 5, refers to Article 51 of the UN Charter, which covers the individual or collective right of states to self-defence against armed attacks.

All three members have agreed to use `all necessarymeans`to eliminate threats to one another`s territorial integrity, sovereignty or internationally recognised borders, as per the text seen by Reuters.The agreement will enter into force upon the deposit of the ratification documents with the secretariat in Riyadh, and will remain valid indefinitely.

The parties may not withdraw from the agreement for the first 10 years.

While Pakistan has made it clear that `collective deterrence measures` under the trilateral defence agreement are `already in play`, Ankara still requires formal parliamentary ratification for the agreement. According to official sources, Pakistan follows an executive-led treaty-making system, where the federal government`s ratification is enough for subjects in the federal legislative list.

According to Article 90 of the Constitution, `the executive authority of the Federation shall be exercised in the name of the President by the Federal Government, consisting of the Prime Minister and the Federal Ministers, which shall act through the Prime Minister, who shall be the chief executive of the Federation.

However, under Turkiye`s constitution, separate permission from parliament is required to deploy troops abroad, regardless of any international agreement.

According to the Reuters news agency, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtu-lmus, currently visiting Kyrgyzstan, is expected to refer the agreement to parliament`s foreign affairs commission upon his return, which could debate the agreement as early as Friday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan`s communications director, Burhanettin Duran, said that Turkiye`s recent step marked an important milestone towards the institutionalisation of strategic cooperation between the three nations.

`This strategic partnership developed between our countries aims to strengthen collective deterrence, enhance joint capabilities in the defence sector, and safeguard security and stability in our region, Duran said in a post on X.

A Turkish official, who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, said Turkiye`s own contribution was expected to be limited to military equipment, intelligence sharing andweapons systems, adding that no other form of deployment had taken place under the alliance so far.

Asked how Turkiye could help Saudi Arabia defend against attacks by Yemen`s Houthis, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that the Makkah Agreement was not an `offensive agreement,` adding that Turkiye would not send troops to another country to carry out attacks on its territory.

Although not part of the Makkah alliance, Egypt`s parliament is also expected to vote on authorising potential military support for Saudi Arabia on Oct 26.

Ahead of its submission for parliamentary approval, the contents of the agreement were published in full for the first time by Turkish state broadcaster, TRT Haber.

Turkiye, which has a robust defence industry, has condemned Houthi attackson Saudi Arabia, expressed willingness to help meet Riyadh`s military technology needs and agreed to join a Saudi-led coalition to ensure navigational safety in the Red Sea.

The agreement also envisages close cooperation on defence industry, intelligence sharing, logistical support and the fight against `all means of terrorism,` including at the oper ational level.

Defence deal Meanwhile, TRT World also reporte d that Turkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia are expected to sign a defence industry cooperation memorandum today (Wednesday).

The signing will be held in Qatar, which is also expected to announce plans to establish a local defence production hub, the Gulf state`s Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thanitold the Global Security ForuminDohaonMonday.

Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler will travel to Doha for the signing.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was also in Doha for the security forum, is expected to represent Pakistan at the signing.

Earlier, Mr Naqvi met with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who also commands Qatar`s Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya). The two discussed the current regional situation and matters concerning regional peace and stability, the state-run APP news agency reported.

During their meeting, the two men agreed to expand the security partnership between Pakistan and Qatar. They also held detailed discussions on expanding cooperation in areas related to internal security.-Monitoring Desk/Agencies their internationally recognised borders. If the territorial integrity, sovereignty, or internationally recognised borders of any of the `parties` are threatened or endangered, the `parties` shall use all necessary means to eliminate such threat(s) or danger(s).

Article 2: An externally originating armed attack against any of the `parties` shall be considered an attack against all the `parties.` If one of the `parties` is subjected to an armed attack or military aggression by another country or group of countries, the `parties` shall immediately assist the attacked `party,` making full use of all means of mutual assistance that they can provide to one another. For this purpose, to enable the exercise of the right of self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, the `parties` shall determine the scope and nature of the support to be provided following an objective assessment of the assistance required, and shall cooperate within the limits of their available resources, including military means and capabilities.

Article 3: Pursuant to Article 2 of this agreement, the `parties` shall cooperate closely in the fields of defence, defence industry, and security; develop relations among their Armed Forces; and carry out agreed activities aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence.

Article 4: The `parties` shall hold regular consultations on international security matters. They shall continuously and effectively assist one another and cooperate in developing individual and joint measures based on common assessments, in order to protect their vital interests and national security and eliminate threats and dangers to their national security.

Article 5: The `parties` shall strengthen existing cooperation and joint efforts, including at the operational level, in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations that adversely affect regional and international stability and security.

Article 6: In wartime and peacetime, the `parties` shall encourage reciprocal personnel exchanges among defence institutions, joint training programmes and exercises, and deployments and activities aimed at increasing the interoperability of the `parties`` armed forces, in order to develop their defence capabilities.

Article 7: To strengthen their defence capabilities, the `parties` shall, on the basis of mutual agreement, support technology sharing among defenceindustry institutions, joint technology development, joint production, and cooperation among defence-industry organisations in the following areas: a) Encouraging joint production in the field of defence;b) Implementing defence innovation through joint research and development projectsintechnologiesrequiring specialised expertise; c) Training personnel and supporting the military industry within the territories of the `parties` through experts from any `party` d) Sharing expertise and lessons learned in the fields of defence industry, defence research and development, and innovation; e) Other areas of cooperation mutually agreed upon by the `parties`.

Article 8: 1. The `core parties` shall establish a `Strategic Political and Defence Committee`, comprising the Foreign Ministers, Defence Ministers, and Chiefs of General Staff of the `parties` to provide strategic direction for joint defence, develop defence and security cooperation among the `parties` and address obstacles that may arise during the implementation of this agreement.

The Committee shall meet twice ayear, with hosting rotating among the `parties`. The leaders of the `parties` may meet once a year if deemed necessary.

2. The `Strategic Political and Defence Committee` may establish subcommittees if it considers this necessary.

3. Agreements or protocols shall, where necessary, be negotiated among the `parties` for the implementation of the areas of cooperation envisaged in this agreement.

4. The `Strategic Political and Defence Committee` shall be authorised, by consensus of the `core parties`, to determine and approve the procedures and principles governing the accession of other `parties` to this agreement.

5. A Secretariat headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shallbe established to serve the `Strategic Political and Defence Committee`. The Secretariat shall conclude a headquarters agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The procedures and principles governing the Secretariat`s functioning, organisational structure, and establishment shall subsequently be determined by consensus of the `core parties`.

6. The Secretariat shallbeheadedby a Secretary-General appointed for a three-year term on a rotational basis among the `core parties`. The first Secretary-General shall be a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

7. The provisions of this Article shall not prejudice the work of existing military cooperation committees among the `parties`.

Article 9: To deepen cooperation in intelligence and provide the necessary coordination in this regard, the `parties` shall share intelligence through mutually agreed secure channels, while observing information security, data protection and confidentiality.

Article 10: Subject to the availability and compatibility of logistical support services,the`parties`shallprovide oneanother with logistical support in peacetime, wartime, and other emergencies, including weapons, ammunition, fuel, spare parts, and other equipment.

Article 11: Without prejudice to international law and the relevant domestic laws of the `parties`, the `parties` shall accept this agreement as the legal basis for implementing its provisions and shall propose additional legal measures where necessary.

Article 12: This agreement shall not prejudice the rights and obligations of the `parties` arising from international agreements they have previously concluded.

Article 13: 1. The `parties` shall respect the confidentiality of classified information and documents obtained under this agreement and shall respect national legislation.

2. Classified information and documents shall not be shared with any state, company, or person outside the `parties`.

3. Access to classified information and documents shall be provided on a `need-to-know` basis and only to persons holding the appropriate level of security clearance.

Article 14: Any dispute arising from the interpretation or implementation of this agreement shall be settled amicably through consultations and discussions among the `parties`.

Article 15: This agreement may be amended through consultations and unanimous agreement among the `core parties`.

Article16: 1. This agreement shallbe ratified in accordance with the procedures applicable to each `party` and shall enter into force on the date on which the final instrument of ratification is deposited with the Secretariat of the `Strategic Political and Defence Committee`.

2. This agreement shall remain in force indefinitely.

3. Any `party` may withdraw from this agreement after 10 years have elapsed from its entry into force, by giving the other `parties` written notification of its intention to withdraw through diplomatic channels at least three months in advance.

4. Termination of this agreement or withdrawal from it shall not affect any ongoing activities or projects agreed upon by the `parties`before the date of termination or withdrawal.

5. The responsibilities of the `parties` concerning the protection of classified information and documents and the prevention of their disclosure shall continue after termination of this agreement or withdrawal from it.

This agreement has been signed in three original copies in the Turkish, Arabic, and English languages, each text being equally authentic. In the event of a difference in interpretation between the texts, the English text shall prevail.