Turkish parliament approves 'Mecca Pact' agreement

Ankara – Agencies: The Turkish parliament has approved a joint defense agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, a move that strengthens security and military cooperation among the three countries and provides Riyadh with an additional framework to expand its defense partnerships amid rising regional tensions and Houthi attacks in Yemen. The Associated Press reported that the Turkish parliament approved the agreement by a vote of 279 in favor to 119 against, a result reflecting the importance of the new alliance for Ankara, Riyadh, and Islamabad. The agreement, signed in the city of Mecca last August, stipulates that any attack on one of the three countries will be considered an attack on the others, along with provisions to enhance military cooperation, exchange intelligence, coordinate deterrence efforts, and develop defense industries.