The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, stated that Ankara is examining defensive support for Saudi Arabia. Fidan emphasized that this action does not mean sending Turkish military forces to conduct offensive operations in Saudi Arabia.
Defensive agreements and joint operations
On Monday, Turkey and Saudi Arabia agreed to immediately implement their joint defense commitments and ensure the "rapid deployment" of forces and military capabilities in Saudi Arabia. Fidan stressed that this agreement specifically focuses on defense and aims to support Saudi Arabia against external threats.
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The Turkish Foreign Minister further added: "The legitimate forces of the Yemeni government are currently active on the battlefield and Saudi Arabia supports them. However, this agreement is a defensive agreement. When a country that is a party to this pact is attacked, you stand in defense of it. This is not an offensive agreement. Turkey will not send forces to another country to conduct attacks."
Assessing Saudi Arabia's defense needs
Fidan stated that military delegations are being formed soon to determine the operational defense needs of Saudi Arabia and assess possible assistance from Turkey and Pakistan to this country. This is aimed at improving Saudi Arabia's defensive capabilities against threats, including Houthi attacks.
According to received reports, Turkey is primarily sending defensive and technical support to Saudi Arabia to assist the country in combating Houthi militants. Fidan also mentioned that the work related to the agreement is currently mostly completed, and their goal is to send the agreement for parliamentary approval as soon as possible.
These developments come as tensions in the Gulf region have increased due to conflicts in Yemen and the activities of Houthi militants. Turkey and Saudi Arabia are working to strengthen their military and defense cooperation and support stability in the region through these actions.
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