Bangladesh signals openness to joining Pakistan-Saudi-Turkiye defence agreement
Bangladesh says it is weighing the pact as the three signatories pledge mutual defence and invite countries committed to cooperation.
- Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh maintains a positive approach towards joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye, prioritizing national interests under its "Bangladesh First" policy.
- Signed on August 7 at the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit, the pact commits Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to mutual defense, treating any armed attack against one as an attack against all.
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the framework as similar to NATO's mutual defense arrangement, while Pakistani Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar clarified the accord is defensive and supports peaceful conflict resolution.
- On August 9, Foreign Minister Dar reaffirmed the agreement remains open to countries willing to uphold its core principles, with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan identifying Egypt as a potential candidate for membership.
- The agreement emerges amid heightened regional tensions following the US-Israel war on Iran, which began February 28 and has disrupted maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Bangladesh open to joining Saudi-Pak-Turkiye defence pact: ministers
Dhaka, Aug 23: Bangladesh is open to joining the recently formed defence alliance between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye, two junior ministers have said, while stressing that any decision would be guided by the country's national interests. Signed in Makkah on August 7, the pact establishes a framework for collective deterrence and stipulates that an armed attack on any one of the three countries would be considered an attack on all three. “…
'Islamic NATO' on India's doorstep? Bangladesh ministers say open to joining Saudi-Pak-Turkey defence pact
Two of Bangladesh's junior ministers have said that the country is interested in joining the trilateral defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. However, a decision in this regard would be taken after considering Bangladesh's national interests, they said.
The Economic Times
Times of IndiaBangladesh signals openness to joining Saudi-Pakistan-Turkiye defence alliance
Bangladesh expresses openness to joining a new defense alliance. This decision will prioritize the nation's own interests and evolving global dynamics. The government is pursuing a "Bangladesh First" policy for its foreign engagements. Bilateral ties with Pakistan will also be strengthened through normal diplomatic channels. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to visit Riyadh soon.
Bangladesh has kept the option of joining the defense pacts of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye open. A decision will be made keeping the country's interests in mind.
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