Makkah agreement members back Saudi Arabia’s right to self-defense

The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye held a key meeting on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to review progress under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement and discuss the regional security situation.

The meeting focused on joint defense, regional security, maritime safety and the next steps for strengthening cooperation among the three member states.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the three countries reaffirmed their support for Saudi Arabia’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. They also expressed support for all necessary measures to safeguard Saudi Arabia’s security and protect its sovereignty.

The meeting condemned attacks by the Houthis on civilian and economic infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and stressed the need for continued efforts to promote regional peace and stability.

Emergency chiefs of staff meeting to be convened

The three countries agreed to convene an emergency meeting of their chiefs of staff to discuss ways to support Saudi Arabia and consider a coordinated response to any potential aggression against the Kingdom.

The joint statement said the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement guarantees mutual defense among its parties, with aggression against any one member to be considered an attack against all parties.

The statement also commended the vigilance of Saudi Arabia’s armed forces and their capacity to safeguard the Kingdom’s national security.