MOGADISHU — Somalia is reportedly seeking to join the new defence partnership signed by Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, as Mogadishu welcomes the emerging security alliance and its potential role in strengthening stability across the Red Sea and wider Middle East.
The trilateral Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed on Friday, aims to strengthen defence cooperation among the three countries and establishes a collective security commitment under which an armed attack against one member would be treated as an attack against all three.
Pakistan has described the agreement as defensive in nature, while Turkish officials have indicated that the framework could potentially be expanded to include other countries.
Somalia’s reported interest comes as regional states seek stronger security cooperation amid continuing concerns over maritime security, armed conflicts and threats to major international shipping routes.
Somalia’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, together with its long coastline, gives Mogadishu a significant interest in developments affecting the Red Sea and surrounding waters. The region is a vital corridor for global trade, energy shipments and commercial shipping.
Somalia has also developed a close defence partnership with Türkiye, including cooperation aimed at strengthening the country’s armed forces, maritime security and broader security capabilities.
If Somalia were to formally join the new defence framework, the move could further expand Mogadishu’s strategic partnerships and provide an additional platform for cooperation on maritime security, counterterrorism, defence training and the protection of regional trade routes.
However, no formal announcement confirming Somalia’s membership has been made, and the reported interest should therefore be viewed as an ongoing diplomatic development rather than a completed accession.
The potential expansion of the pact could have wider implications for security cooperation across the Horn of Africa, the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, particularly as regional governments seek greater coordination in response to emerging security threats.
For Somalia, closer engagement with Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia could strengthen its position in regional security discussions while supporting its efforts to develop stronger maritime and defence capabilities.
The development is expected to be closely watched as Mogadishu considers its position and as consultations continue over the future expansion of the new defence partnership.
