Former Qatari PM Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim welcomes Mecca defence pact, says it must not be tied to current circumstances

Former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim welcomed the Mecca Joint Deterrence Agreement, urging it to become a permanent regional defence alliance free from short-term political considerations.Former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani has welcomed the newly signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, expressing hope that it will evolve into a permanent regional defence alliance rather than remain tied to the current geopolitical climate.In a post on X on Friday, Sheikh Hamad described the agreement as “an important agreement and a step that gives cause for optimism”, saying he hoped the remaining Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states would also join the pact.“I hope the remaining GCC states will take the initiative to join it, so that it becomes the beginning of an effective awakening towards a shared defence strategy in defence manufacturing, armament, planning and operational preparedness to confront the ambitions and threats facing the region,” he wrote.He also stressed that the agreement should have a long-term strategic purpose beyond today’s regional tensions.“I hope and pray to Almighty God that the agreement will be clear and explicit, free from short-term considerations tied to present circumstances, so that it can be built upon and become a fully fledged defence alliance that endures indefinitely, serving as the best mechanism to guarantee the region’s future and security,” he said.The agreement was signed on Friday by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan following months of negotiations amid heightened regional instability.The pact establishes a collective defence framework under which an armed attack against one member will be regarded as an attack against all three.It also commits the countries to deepen cooperation in military planning, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, defence industries, arms manufacturing, military training, logistics and operational readiness, while expanding collaboration in research, technology transfer and joint defence production.The agreement also provides for closer coordination on regional security challenges through regular consultations and institutional mechanisms designed to strengthen strategic cooperation between the three countries.The agreement was signed against the backdrop of heightened tensions across the Middle East, following the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, marking a significant step towards strengthening regional security cooperation and reducing reliance on external defence guarantees.