Several Arab nations and organisations have welcomed the joint defence agreement signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Friday.

The deal, which has been under negotiation since last year, creates a significant new trilateral framework amid a deepening regional crisis following Israeli and US attacks on Iran.

Yemen: During a cabinet meeting, Yemen’s internationally recognised government “praised the leadership role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in building responsible regional and international partnerships based on the principles of cooperation and mutual respect.”

Bahrain: Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the pact as “a strategic partnership between equal parties, each of which contributes to it with its capabilities.”

It said Bahrain considered the deal “a qualitative addition that complements and enhances the joint defence system of the GCC countries.”

Muslim World League: The secretary-general of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, said the agreement is based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity.

He said the pact was aimed at enhancing shared security and achieving peace, stability, and prosperity in the region in particular, and the international community in general, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The Palestinian Presidency: The Palestinian Presidency said that strengthening the capabilities of the nations of the Muslim world, their integration, and their cooperation in protecting their security, sovereignty, and legitimate interests constitutes a fundamental pillar for the stability of the region and the preservation of the resources of its peoples, SPA reported.

The presidency expressed its hope that the agreement will contribute towards supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle to end the Israeli occupation and establish their fully sovereign and independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

OIC: The secretary-general  of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Hissein Brahim Taha, said: “This Agreement constitutes a fundamental pillar for supporting security and stability in the region and across the Muslim world.”