World
Turkish Parliament Ratifies Defence Pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
Turkish lawmakers approved a defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Thursday, paving the way for greater Turkish involvement in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran‑backed Houthi rebels. The pact, first signed in August, contains a collective‑defence clause that would obligate the signatories to assist each other if attacked, mirroring NATO’s Article 5. The Turkish parliament passed the agreement with 279 votes in favour and 119 against, with 398 of the 592 members present. The 16‑article pact calls for joint training, technology development, and shared logistics and intelligence, and it allows member states to withdraw after ten years. It also leaves open the possibility of new members, with Syria already expressing interest. Although the ratification does not automatically mean Turkish troops will be deployed to Saudi Arabia, Defence Minister Yasar Guler said that any support would be aimed at strengthening deterrence rather than entering a conflict with the Houthis. The agreement comes as Saudi Arabia continues to face attacks from the Houthis, including recent strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and a drone interception near Medina. The Houthis have denied accusations that they target Mecca and Medina, while Saudi Arabia has repeatedly accused them of doing so. The pact was approved after Deputy Parliament Speaker Celal Adan adjourned the session on Wednesday, with debate resuming the following afternoon. The decision was reported by Anadolu news agency and seen by Reuters.
Frequently asked questions
How many votes did Turkish parliament members cast in favour of the defence pact?
279 votes in favour.
What key provisions are included in the 16‑article pact?
Joint training, technology development, shared logistics and intelligence, a collective‑defence clause, withdrawal after ten years, and possibility for new members.
Which country has expressed interest in joining the pact?
Syria.