Trump Welcomes Makkah Defence Agreement as ‘Big, Bold and Important First Step’; Shehbaz Thanks US President

 

Islamabad — August 17, 2026

US President Donald Trump has welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing the landmark pact as a “big, bold and important first step.”

In a statement shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump congratulated the leadership of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye and expressed his appreciation for the agreement, saying he was pleased to see the three countries strengthen their defence cooperation.

Trump’s remarks come at a significant moment for regional security, as the Middle East and wider region continue to face complex security challenges. His public endorsement gives the agreement added diplomatic significance beyond the three signatories.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded by thanking President Trump for his supportive remarks regarding the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan highly appreciates President Trump’s words and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to playing a constructive role in strengthening regional defence and security in cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.

Shehbaz Sharif also stressed that sustainable peace remains essential for a secure, prosperous and brighter future for the people of the region.

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed in Makkah on August 7, 2026, by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The agreement establishes a framework for enhanced defence cooperation among the three countries, including military coordination, training, intelligence cooperation, defence technology and joint exercises.

The agreement has been presented by its signatories as a defensive arrangement rather than an alliance directed against any particular country. Türkiye has also indicated that the framework could potentially provide space for broader cooperation in the future.

Trump’s endorsement and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s response have added a new diplomatic dimension to the agreement. The development also highlights Pakistan’s increasingly visible role in regional diplomacy, particularly as Islamabad seeks to combine security cooperation with dialogue and peace-building efforts.

The significance of the Makkah agreement may therefore extend beyond defence. Its long-term impact will depend on how Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye translate the agreement into practical cooperation while maintaining regional stability and avoiding further escalation.

From Makkah to Washington, the agreement is now attracting international attention—turning a three-country defence initiative into a development with wider regional and global implications.