Aden, Aug. 8 (SANA)Yemen has welcomed the Mecca Mutual Defense Pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, describing it as a strategic step and an important milestone in defense cooperation among the three countries.

In a statement published Saturday on its official website, the Yemeni Foreign Ministry said the agreement reflects the three countries’ shared political will to confront challenges and threats to regional security and stability.

The ministry highlighted the particular importance of the pact amid growing regional challenges, particularly terrorist attacks, arms smuggling and threats targeting neighboring countries and international maritime routes.

It also commended Saudi Arabia’s role in building responsible regional and international partnerships and contributing to regional security and stability.

The ministry said the announcement of the agreement, days after the establishment of a multinational maritime defense coalition, reflects growing commitment to collective responsibility and strengthening deterrence capabilities against terrorism and cross-border threats.

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed theMecca Mutual DefensePact on Friday.The agreement stipulates that an armed attack against any one of the three countries shall be considered an attack against all three, while also providing for the development of various areas of defense cooperation.F.J./M.Z.