The first meeting of the committee formed for the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement has begun in Istanbul, bringing together senior leaders from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to discuss regional and global security.
The meeting, being held in Türkiye, reflects the three countries’ determination to put the agreement’s mechanisms into practice and establish closer coordination on defence and security matters.
The meeting focuses on strengthening the defence capabilities of the three countries and enhancing cooperation in response to evolving security challenges.
Senior representatives from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are participating in the inaugural committee meeting. Pakistan is being represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Saudi Arabia is represented by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Chief of the General Staff Gen. Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili. Türkiye’s delegation includes Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Chief of General Staff Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu.
Global security, defence capabilities
The committee is set to discuss developments in global security and ways to further strengthen the defence capabilities of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
The meeting is part of efforts to advance cooperation under the proposed Makkah Joint Defense Agreement and build closer coordination among the three countries on security matters.
The participants are also scheduled to consider the importance of stronger collective defence capabilities amid changing regional and global security dynamics.
The discussions are expected to focus on international security developments, strengthening the defence capabilities of the three countries and improving interoperability among their armed forces.
Officials are also expected to explore ways to expand defence industry cooperation, including joint production initiatives, research and development, as well as stronger cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.
Framework for permanent coordination
The committe is expected to establish the framework for a secretariat and other coordination mechanisms responsible for advancing areas identified under the agreement.
It will also work on a roadmap for future cooperation, including closer coordination, information and expertise sharing and improved preparedness among the three countries.
Political researchers speaking to Al Arabiya said the first meeting demonstrates the countries’ determination to establish a permanent mechanism for defence coordination and strengthen joint deterrence.
Strengthen collective security
The meeting is also expected to reaffirm the agreement’s broader objective of promoting security, peace and stability through a cooperative regional security framework.
A key element of the pact is the strengthening of collective deterrence among Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan.
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement in Makkah on August 7.
Under the agreement, an attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all parties.
The pact also provides for broader cooperation with other actors that respect international law and share the three countries’ vision of peaceful regional cooperation.
Asif, Munir meet Turkish defence minister
Before the committee meeting, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif held a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Yasar Guler in Istanbul.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the two defence ministers to discuss matters related to defence cooperation ahead of the broader committee session.
Moreover, Türkiye’s National Defence Minister Yaşar Güler also held a bilateral meeting with Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. The meeting took place ahead of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee session established under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.
Türkiye’s Chief of General Staff, General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, also attended the meeting.
The first committee meeting marks an important step in discussions surrounding the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement and closer strategic cooperation between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
