Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia strengthen defense ties
Associated Press · Suzan Fraser ·
Turkish legislators have approved a defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. This agreement, signed in August, commits the countries to regard an attack against one as an attack on all three. It aims to deter threats, deepen military cooperation, and strengthen defense industry ties. The agreement comes amid regional tensions with Iran-backed Houthi rebels and concerns about U.S.-Iran conflicts. Despite opposition, the Turkish parliament passed the agreement. Officials stress that the agreement is defensive and does not target Iran. Any deployment of Turkish troops would require separate parliamentary approval.
Turkish lawmakers approve a 3-nation defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish legislators on Thursday ratified a defense cooperation agreement among Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as Riyadh seeks increased regional support in its conflict with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen.
The vote also came as countries in the region remain anxious about the prospects of a new escalation in the U.S.-Iran war, which would likely spill over into neighboring countries. During previous rounds of fighting, Iran has lashed out at U.S.-allied Gulf Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Read the full story at Associated Press · All coverage of this story