Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye push forward Makkah defence alliance cooperation

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have stepped up follow-up efforts under their joint defence agreement, with the three countries reviewing understandings reached at the

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have stepped up follow-up efforts under their joint defence agreement, with the three countries reviewing understandings reached at the alliance’s first strategic meeting.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate telephone conversations on Sunday with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

During his conversation with the Saudi foreign minister, Dar discussed regional and international developments. The two sides also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

They reviewed progress on decisions reached at the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Defence Alliance. The meeting was held in Istanbul on August 31.

Dar and Faisal agreed to remain in close contact. They also discussed ways to strengthen coordination through the alliance.

In a separate conversation, Dar thanked Fidan for hosting the inaugural committee meeting in Istanbul.

The two foreign ministers reviewed the understandings reached during the meeting. They also discussed measures to expand cooperation under the joint defence framework.

Regional and international developments were also discussed. The two sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and explored opportunities for greater cooperation at international forums.

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed on August 7 by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Under the pact, an armed attack against one member is to be treated as an attack against all three.

The agreement was signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a summit at Al-Safa Palace.

The alliance held its first strategic meeting in Istanbul on August 31. Foreign and defence ministers from the three countries attended the meeting, along with senior military officials.

The meeting focused on strengthening coordination among the three states. The participants also agreed to further institutionalise cooperation under the defence agreement.

The three countries aim to enhance collective deterrence and defence capabilities. They also agreed on steps to establish a permanent institutional structure for the alliance.

Pakistan will initially lead the alliance’s secretariat for three years. The secretariat will be based in Saudi Arabia.

Islamabad has also said the defence arrangement remains open to other countries in the region. Any new member would be expected to support the alliance’s core principles.

Separately, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty invited Ishaq Dar to undertake a bilateral visit to Egypt.

The invitation was extended during a telephone conversation between the two foreign ministers.

Dar and Abdelatty discussed Pakistan-Egypt relations. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to staying closely engaged on regional security issues.

They agreed to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session later this month.

Pakistan and Egypt are also part of the R-4 Group. The regional grouping includes Saudi Arabia and Türkiye and focuses on security and diplomatic coordination.

The group emerged in March amid regional diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran.

Pakistan and Egypt have also maintained defence and security cooperation through bilateral channels.

Abdelatty previously visited Pakistan for an official two-day trip at Dar’s invitation. During that visit, he held meetings with senior Pakistani officials, including Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.

The discussions covered defence and security cooperation, military exchanges, training programmes and regional peace and stability.