Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Convene First Defense Pact Meeting in Istanbul

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the first meeting of the political and defense strategic committee, established under the Mecca Joint Defense Pact, will be held in Istanbul on Monday. This significant gathering aims to chart the strategic direction for joint activities under the defense agreement.

Sources from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicate that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, and Chief of the General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu are expected to attend the session. Pakistan will be represented by its Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. Saudi Arabia’s delegation is anticipated to include Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Defence Prince Khalid bin Salman, and Chief of the General Staff General Fayyadh bin Hamid Al-Ruwaili.

The committee, comprising the foreign and defense ministers and chiefs of staff from Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, was formed to outline the strategic orientation of activities under the Mecca Joint Defense Pact. Discussions are expected to focus on international security issues and efforts to enhance defense capabilities and interoperability among the armed forces of the three nations. Participants will also deliberate on deepening defense industry cooperation, including joint production and research and development, alongside reinforcing collaborative counter-terrorism initiatives.

Furthermore, the meeting is anticipated to define the framework for the secretariat and other relevant mechanisms that will guide work within the areas of common activity determined by the committee. A roadmap for future steps will also be established.

This summit is expected to serve as an opportunity to reaffirm that the Mecca Joint Defense Pact offers substantial prospects for all countries committed to bolstering regional security, peace, and stability. It emphasizes a collaborative security framework and prioritizes peace and prosperity over conflict.

The defense agreement was signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Mecca on August 7.