In an interview with Al Jazeera, the president maintained that the trilateral pact strengthens the signatory countries and, in the current regional context, constitutes a message in favor of world peace.

Erdogan noted that Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan present themselves as countries committed to peace and assured that they will keep up this orientation in the future.

When asked about the similarities between the agreement and Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), he explained that both foresees a principle of collective defense.

He specified that in the event of an attack against any of the three countries, the others can jointly adopt the necessary measures for their defense.

The Turkish head of state also indicated that the agreement remains open to the inclusion of other countries and mentioned Egypt as one of the nations that could join in the future if it so chooses.

Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the Joint Defense Agreement on August 7 in Mecca.

The pact seeks to strengthen military cooperation and joint deterrence mechanisms, based on the principle that any armed attack against one of the three signatories will be considered an act of aggression against all.

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