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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke at a press conference in Istanbul on January 15, 2026, emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration and mutual trust. He mentioned that many issues in the region could be resolved if countries learned to trust each other more. Bloomberg reported recently that Ankara is in advanced negotiations to join a defense alliance with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, although no formal agreement has been signed yet.
Fidan noted that discussions are ongoing regarding a potential defense pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia but clarified that no formal agreement has been reached. He highlighted the need for greater regional cooperation and trust, stating that countries could resolve many issues if they were confident in each other’s intentions.
The Bloomberg report from the previous week indicated that Turkey was close to joining the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The discussion was at an advanced stage, with expectations of a final deal. The SMDA, signed on September 17, 2025, during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia, stipulates that an attack on any member is considered an act of aggression against all.
Turkey’s interest in joining the alliance stems from concerns over the US’s reliability and increasing strategic overlaps with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in South Asia. For decades, Turkey and Pakistan have maintained strong defense ties, including Ankara’s construction of corvette warships for Pakistan’s Navy and upgrades to Pakistani F-16 fighters, along with sharing drone technology.
Pakistan credits its military successes in the May 2025 conflict with India to these strengthened defense relationships. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the country is in talks with multiple nations about defense agreements, including selling fighter jets. He stated, “After Pakistan’s victory last year, demand for our jets has surged, and many countries are engaging with us to acquire them.”
Further, Pakistani Defense Production Minister Raza Hayat Haraj told the BBC that discussions are underway with several countries about selling JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. The conflict between India and Pakistan last year was triggered after India launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistani territory following an assault on tourists in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). India alleged that Pakistan was responsible for the killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, an accusation Pakistan denied, calling for an independent investigation.
During the 87-hour conflict, Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, and destroyed numerous drones. The hostilities ended on May 10 with a ceasefire brokered by the United States.
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