The first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia has begun in Istanbul.
Pakistan is represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif. Senior political and military officials from Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are also participating in the meeting.
According to sources, the meeting is focusing on the regional and global security situation, defence cooperation, joint military exercises and counterterrorism efforts.
The three countries are also expected to discuss expanding cooperation in the defence industry, including joint defence production, research and development, and defence technology.
Moving the Makkah Defence Agreement Forward
The Istanbul meeting is being viewed as an important step toward putting the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement into practice.
The committee is expected to discuss institutional mechanisms, a possible secretariat and a roadmap for future joint projects and activities.
The agreement aims to strengthen defence cooperation among Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia while promoting regional peace, security and stability.
One of its key provisions states that an attack on any one of the three countries will be considered an attack on all three parties.
