Pakistan says ‘purely defensive’ Mecca accord is open to others

Egypt is likely to join the defence deal, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey amid rising tensions between the US and Iran

The agreement stipulates “that any armed attack against any one of the three states shall be regarded as an attack against them all”, according to statements released by the three sides. Dar said in his post the stipulation was consistent with the right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Pakistan, he said, would continue working with countries across the region towards lasting peace and stability. “The Makkah Accord does not abrogate or replace any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements between these countries, or with other countries or organisations,” he wrote.