Shehbaz Sharif meets first Secretary General of Makkah Defence Alliance

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has met General (retd) Nauman Mahmood, the first secretary general of the Makkah Defence Alliance, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and defence amid efforts to strengthen regional peace and strategic cooperation.

During the meeting, the prime minister congratulated General (retd) Nauman Mahmood on assuming his new position and described the Makkah Peace Agreement as a historic milestone for promoting peace and stability in the region.

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan stood firmly alongside Saudi Arabia in protecting its sovereignty and security, reaffirming Islamabad’s full support for the kingdom’s legitimate right to defend itself.

The meeting also focused on strategies to expand defence and strategic cooperation, with the prime minister receiving a briefing on measures aimed at strengthening coordination and advancing the alliance’s objectives.

The appointment of the alliance’s first secretary general marks an important step in establishing its institutional framework and developing mechanisms for closer cooperation among participating countries.

The Makkah Defence Alliance is expected to serve as a platform for strengthening regional security coordination and addressing shared defence concerns through greater strategic engagement.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have longstanding defence, economic and diplomatic ties, with security cooperation remaining an important part of their bilateral relationship. The two countries have repeatedly emphasised the importance of regional stability, mutual support and closer coordination on issues affecting the wider Muslim world.

The latest meeting underscores Islamabad’s continued commitment to its strategic partnership with Riyadh and its support for initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security.

However, further details about the alliance’s operational structure, specific defence commitments and future activities were not provided in the reported account of the meeting.

The development comes as regional security and defence cooperation remain important priorities for countries seeking to promote stability and protect their national interests through closer partnerships.