Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on Monday held the first meeting under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Istanbul, marking the beginning of a framework for closer trilateral strategic and defence cooperation.
Pakistan was represented by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
The meeting brought together the Strategic Political and Defence Committee established under the agreement, which was signed by the three countries on August 7.
The trilateral discussions are expected to focus on strengthening defence capabilities, improving interoperability between the armed forces and expanding cooperation in the defence industry.
According to Turkish media, the participants are also expected to discuss the structure of a permanent secretariat and other mechanisms, while developing a roadmap for future cooperation.
Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three member states is to be treated as an attack against all three.
Before the trilateral meeting, Pakistani and Turkish officials held separate bilateral discussions in Istanbul. Field Marshal Asim Munir met Turkish National Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, while Khawaja Asif also held talks with the Turkish leadership.
According to Radio Pakistan, Asif and Turkish officials agreed to strengthen joint defence cooperation in the region.
“Pakistan’s participation in the meeting signifies Pakistan’s historic bonds of friendship with the brotherly countries of Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, as well as its desire for lasting regional peace and stability,” the Foreign Office said.
