Turkiye’s parliament ratifies Mecca defence agreement

Türkiye’s parliament has ratified a defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan that obliges signatories to assist one another if attacked. The pact strengthens military cooperation as Saudi Arabia faces renewed Houthi attacks, but ratification alone does not authorise Turkish troops to deploy.

The 16-article agreement passed on Thursday with 279 votes for and 119 against; 398 of 592 lawmakers took part. It commits members to mutual assistance, joint training and sharing defence, intelligence and logistical resources, and lasts 10 years before members may withdraw. Türkiye’s government says its support would focus on deterrence, while officials have dismissed concerns about conflicts with its NATO commitments.