Erdoğan Backs Saudi Arabia, Moves Trilateral Defence Pact Towards Parliamentary Approval
His remarks come amid escalating tensions across the Middle East, where regional conflicts and the activities of proxy forces have heightened security concerns.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has strongly condemned the Houthi attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, reaffirming Türkiye’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia while announcing progress towards institutionalising the joint defence agreement between Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.
Speaking after a Turkish cabinet meeting, Erdoğan said preparations were underway to establish a permanent institutional framework for the trilateral defence arrangement, with the agreement expected to be submitted to the Turkish Parliament in the coming days for domestic approval.
His remarks come amid escalating tensions across the Middle East, where regional conflicts and the activities of proxy forces have heightened security concerns.
Erdoğan said tensions stretching from Lebanon to Yemen and Iran were intensifying, warning that attempts to divide and destabilise the region would only benefit elements seeking further bloodshed.
The Turkish president emphasised that regional disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than military confrontation, reiterating Türkiye’s commitment to respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Erdoğan Condemns Riyadh Airport Attack, Expresses Solidarity with Saudi Arabia
President Erdoğan strongly condemned the October 10 Houthi attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which, according to figures cited by the Turkish president, killed 12 people and injured 309 others.
He expressed condolences over the loss of lives, including those of individuals who had travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Erdoğan reaffirmed that Türkiye stands firmly alongside Saudi Arabia and its people against attacks that violate international law and humanitarian principles.
Pakistan-Türkiye-Saudi Defence Agreement Heads Towards Parliamentary Approval
In a significant development for regional defence cooperation, Erdoğan confirmed that efforts were underway to establish the institutional mechanisms required to implement the joint defence agreement signed by Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia on August 7, 2026.
The Turkish president outlined two principal objectives guiding the trilateral arrangement: achieving collective defence and regional cooperation goals, and transforming the agreement into a sustainable, effective and operational institutional structure.
Erdoğan emphasised that activities conducted under the joint defence framework would comply with Türkiye’s national laws and legal procedures, similar to the country’s participation in NATO.
He also rejected speculation and interpretations that sought to misrepresent Türkiye’s position on the defence arrangement.
According to Erdoğan, preparations are underway to present the agreement to the Turkish Parliament in the coming days to complete the necessary domestic approval procedures.
The development marks another step towards formalising defence cooperation among the three countries, potentially strengthening coordination on collective security and regional defence challenges.
The proposed institutional framework is expected to provide an organised mechanism for implementing the agreement, although its precise operational arrangements will depend on subsequent decisions by the participating countries.
Türkiye Calls for Diplomacy Amid Regional Conflicts
Addressing the broader Middle Eastern situation, Erdoğan reiterated that Türkiye does not approach regional conflicts through ethnic or sectarian divisions.
He stressed that Ankara remains committed to promoting peace through cooperation, mutual respect and shared regional responsibility.
The Turkish president maintained that Türkiye would continue supporting diplomatic solutions while strengthening its position as a centre of stability and confidence despite the crises surrounding it.
Erdoğan concluded by reaffirming that Türkiye’s principles and priorities remain clear, with regional peace, collective responsibility and cooperation forming the foundation of its foreign policy.
