Makkah agreement committee holds first meeting in Istanbul

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 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.

The participation of the three senior Pakistani officials underscores Islamabad’s focus on strengthening defence and security cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.

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.

Khawaja Asif meets Turkish counterpart

Before the committee meeting, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif held a meeting with his Turkish counterpart 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.