Daijiworld Media Network -Washington

Washington, Aug 17: US President Donald Trump on Sunday welcomed the recent signing of a defence agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan, describing it as a significant step towards greater regional cooperation.

"Very happy to see that Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan have recently, and finally, signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

"It shows how the Middle East is coming together, and how Countries will finally be able to defend themselves in a more meaningful way," he said, calling the agreement a "BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP."

The three-way agreement was signed on Aug 7 amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict, which has seen violence spread across the region, including attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the agreement provides that an attack on any one of the three countries would be regarded as an attack on all, describing the pact as aimed at strengthening collective deterrence.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan to further strengthen collective security and promote peace, security and stability in the region and beyond.

The three countries have also expressed their commitment to participating in efforts aimed at resolving the conflict between Iran and the United States.