Instead, the agreement emphasises that all participating countries will take the necessary measures to support one another in the event of an armed attack against their independence, sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Article 1 of the Mecca Defence Agreement states, “If the territorial integrity, sovereignty or internationally recognised borders of any ‘Party’ face a threat or crisis, the ‘Parties’ shall use all necessary means to eliminate such threat or crisis.”
Article 2 declares that “an externally launched armed attack against any ‘Party’ shall be considered an attack against all ‘Parties’.”
The agreement further states that if any signatory faces an armed attack or military aggression by another country or a group of countries, the other parties will immediately assist the country under attack. They are required to make full use of all available means to provide mutual assistance.
The pact also specifies that the parties will assess the assistance required before determining its scope and nature. Cooperation will be provided within the limits of their available resources, including military means and capabilities.
Beyond mutual defence commitments, the agreement provides for cooperation in developing defence industries, training armed forces, and supplying one another with equipment, fuel and other defence materials. It also establishes a framework for intelligence sharing.
The agreement contains 16 articles and has no expiry date. It sets out restrictions on withdrawal, stating that participating countries cannot leave the pact for the first 10 years. Even after that period, a party seeking to withdraw must provide written notice to the relevant parties at least three months in advance, informing them of its intention to leave.
The document further states that the agreement will remain in force indefinitely. Its termination or a party’s withdrawal will not affect any ongoing activities or projects agreed upon by the parties before the effective date of termination or withdrawal.
By outlining provisions for collective defence, military assistance, intelligence sharing and long-term cooperation, the agreement establishes the terms governing security commitments among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, while leaving its duration open-ended.
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