U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the recent signing of the “Mecca Mutual Defense Agreement” by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, saying the pact reflects growing convergence in the Middle East.
Trump described the agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye as a “bold, major and important first step,” noting that the “Mecca Mutual Defense Agreement” demonstrates how countries can defend themselves.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Saturday that Egypt is expected to join the mutual defense agreement “in the next phase.” The pact was signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye.
In a separate development, Trump criticized the United States’ long-standing participation in joint military exercises with South Korea, announcing plans to significantly reduce the scale of those exercises.
He said he had instructed the Secretary of War to take measures to substantially reduce the size of joint military drills with South Korea.
Trump also said he has a “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Reuters
