Pakistan, KSA, Turkey set to seal new defence pact in Jeddah today

RIYADH: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey and will sign a joint defence agreement in Jeddah today, sources close to the Saudi military and government told AFP.

Regional powers are looking to strengthen security ties against a backdrop of war between the US and Iran, which has drawn in Gulf states and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

"It was under discussion for a long time but the latest developments in the region expedite it," the source said on condition of anonymity.

A second source close to the Saudi government also confirmed, on condition of anonymity, that the agreement would be signed today.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is due to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the Red Sea city.

Sharif and army chief Asim Munir arrived in the kingdom on Thursday for a visit lasting until Saturday, while Erdogan is expected to arrive today, according to the Turkish presidency.

Pakistan's foreign ministry said the visit was taking place from August 6 to 8.

"Although taking place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Gulf, the visit will carry significance beyond the immediate crisis and short-term considerations," foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday.

The three countries have been the subject of months of speculation about a possible strategic alliance.

Pakistan has sought to mediate efforts to end the US-Iran war, while Turkey has played a diplomatic role in negotiations aimed at ending the war in Gaza.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan had already announced a joint defence pact in 2025, a move that drew attention because Pakistan is the Muslim world's only nuclear-equipped state.