Turkey says it may examine and support Saudi Arabia’s military needs under a trilateral defence pact that includes Pakistan. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan tells broadcaster NTV that ongoing attacks by Yemen’s Houthis raise concerns about Saudi territorial integrity and sovereignty, and that Turkey is ready to help, including with technical issues.
Fidan also argues it is unacceptable for Saudi Arabia to be drawn into a wider US-Iran conflict, saying Saudi has no intention of joining. He adds that proposals have been communicated to all sides to end the fighting, without giving further details.
The statement follows the pact signed in August in Mecca by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. Under the Joint Defence Agreement, an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all. Both outlets frame Fidan’s remarks as solidarity within the alliance and as a response to the security situation affecting Saudi Arabia.
