By Mary Onyia
The war in the Middle East is presenting an unprecedented challenge to Saudi Arabia’s carefully maintained reputation for stability and security, while also hindering its ambitious plans to diversify the economy away from heavy dependence on oil.
Saudi Arabia took a major step on Friday by signing a joint defense agreement with Turkey and Pakistan that includes a NATO-style clause, where an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all. The deal aims to boost collective security and deterrence amid rising regional tensions.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, said on Saturday that he expected Egypt to join the arrangement, describing Cairo as a “natural partner on all issues.” He said Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan already cooperate closely and “act toward one another as if we were alliance members.”
Fidan stressed that the agreement was not directed against any particular country, while Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the pact was designed to “strengthen collective deterrence.” The emerging security alignment signals a potentially significant shift in regional defence cooperation as countries reassess their security needs amid the escalating conflict.