US President Donald Trump has welcomed the Makkah defence pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, calling it a bold and important first step toward stronger regional defence cooperation.

In a statement on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said he was pleased that the three countries had finally signed the Makkah joint defence agreement.

He said the agreement showed that the Middle East was becoming more united and that countries would eventually be better able to defend themselves.

Trump congratulated the leadership of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, describing the agreement as a major and courageous move.

The pact comes as regional security concerns remain high, with countries seeking stronger defence cooperation and closer strategic ties.

Meanwhile, Trump has also directed the US military to significantly reduce joint military exercises with South Korea.

Trump argued that the exercises send an inappropriate and hostile message to North Korea while also costing the United States heavily.

The US president pointed to his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying North Korea had not posed a threat to the United States during his presidency and had shown respect.

Trump also claimed that South Korea had refused to join the United States in efforts aimed at removing nuclear weapons from Iran.

The latest comments signal a possible shift in Washington’s approach to military exercises and regional security partnerships.