Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan move to strengthen defence integration, joint military capabilities and collective deterrence while backing diplomacy and regional de-escalation efforts, reports Asian Lite News Desk
Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan have agreed to deepen military and political coordination under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, with the three countries moving to establish a permanent mechanism for closer defence cooperation.
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said stronger political coordination, defence integration and collective military readiness would be essential to confronting emerging security challenges and threats.
He was speaking in Istanbul on Monday at the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee established under the agreement, which was signed by the three countries on August 7.
The meeting brought together senior defence and foreign affairs officials from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan to discuss the implementation of the pact and ways to strengthen their strategic partnership.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the three countries announced plans to establish a secretariat in Saudi Arabia to coordinate activities under the agreement. A Pakistani secretary-general will lead the secretariat for its initial three-year term.
The countries said their cooperation would focus on strengthening defence capabilities, improving coordination between their armed forces and expanding collaboration in defence industries.
They also agreed to explore joint production and the development of military technologies, signalling an ambition to build greater self-reliance and integration within their defence sectors.
The joint statement said institutionalising the agreement would strengthen solidarity between the three nations and enhance the credibility and effectiveness of collective deterrence and defence.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan reaffirmed their support for de-escalation and restraint, saying they would encourage peaceful solutions to regional crises.
Prince Khalid led the Saudi delegation, which included Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Chief of the General Staff General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Prince Khalid held talks with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. The two officials discussed bilateral defence cooperation and regional developments.
