Prime minister says Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye will continue efforts to strengthen regional defence and stability
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday thanked US President Donald Trump for his remarks supporting the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement recently signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
“Deeply appreciate President Donald Trump’s kind words of support on the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement,” the prime minister said in a post on X in response to President Trump’s remarks on his Truth Social account.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan, together with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Türkiye, would continue to play a constructive role in safeguarding the defence of their respective countries as well as the wider region.
He also reiterated his appreciation for President Trump’s “courageous and decisive” leadership, which, according to the prime minister, helped avert a nuclear catastrophe in South Asia and saved millions of lives during the Pakistan-India conflict in May last year.
“Durable peace is the most essential prerequisite for a bright and prosperous future for our peoples,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.
Trump welcomes Makkah agreement
Earlier, President Trump said he was “very happy” that Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan had recently signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
He said the agreement demonstrated that countries in the Middle East were coming together and would be able to defend themselves in a more meaningful manner.
Trump congratulated the leadership of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on the agreement, describing it as a “big, bold and important first step.”
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye strengthen ties
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement represents a significant development in trilateral defence cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
The three countries are seeking to strengthen their strategic and security ties while contributing to regional stability and defence cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz’s remarks also underscored Pakistan’s emphasis on peace and regional cooperation, while maintaining close strategic relations with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.