RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman has reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to regional security, saying Saudi Arabia will respond decisively to any threat or attack while continuing to pursue diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
Addressing the Shura Council on Wednesday, Prince Mohammed said recent attacks targeting Gulf Cooperation Council countries had demonstrated that the security and stability of Gulf states were closely interconnected, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
He said Saudi Arabia would continue working with other Gulf countries on strategic cooperation and economic integration while maintaining a focus on protecting regional security.
MBS highlights Makkah defence agreement
The crown prince said the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye would contribute to strengthening regional security and stability and help coordinate responses to shared challenges.
The agreement, signed in August, commits the three countries to treat an armed attack against one signatory as an attack against all three. The pact was followed by meetings among the countries’ military leadership focused on closer defence coordination and intelligence sharing.
Saudi Arabia has faced increased attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement amid wider regional tensions. Riyadh has also stressed the importance of maintaining the security of international maritime routes and protecting vital infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia backs Yemen government
On Yemen, Prince Mohammed said Saudi Arabia would continue supporting the country’s internationally recognised government in its efforts to establish authority across Yemen and restore stability.
According to SPA, he accused the Houthis of choosing “chaos and destruction” and said their actions posed a threat to Yemen and the wider region.
Saudi Arabia has continued to support Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and has provided political, economic and development assistance to the country.
Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Could Trigger Makkah Defence Pact, Warns Pakistan
Riyadh rejects use of waterways as pressure tool
The crown prince also said Saudi Arabia rejected the use of international waterways as a means of applying political or economic pressure.
He said the Kingdom had launched a multinational maritime defence alliance aimed at strengthening maritime security and protecting shared interests along international waterways.
Saudi defence officials have similarly described maritime security and freedom of navigation as a shared international responsibility, particularly given the importance of major shipping routes to global trade and energy supplies.
Prince Mohammed also praised the Saudi armed forces for their role in confronting threats and reiterated the Kingdom’s stated commitment to reducing regional escalation and supporting diplomatic efforts.
Pact comes amid regional tensions
The Makkah defence agreement comes amid heightened security tensions across the Middle East and attacks on Saudi territory and infrastructure.
The three signatories have described the pact as a collective defence arrangement. Pakistan has also said that although it remains committed to the agreement, no immediate military response had been discussed following recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The agreement has added a new layer to the existing security relationships among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye as the region faces continuing military and diplomatic challenges.
