Pakistan’s foreign minister discusses the role of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in regional stability as Islamabad also seeks stronger ties with Oman and improved access to EU markets.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan’s DepIshaq Dar Meets Makkah Defence Pact Chief to Discuss Regional Peace
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Lieutenant General (retd) Nauman Mahmood, secretary general of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA), on Wednesday to discuss the alliance’s role in promoting regional peace and stability, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
The meeting took place in Islamabad on October 28, 2026. Dar congratulated Mahmood on his appointment and wished him success in his new responsibilities, the Foreign Office said.
Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to support regional and international peace.
Pakistan’s regional diplomacy
The meeting comes as Pakistan continues diplomatic engagement on regional security issues and maintains relations with countries across the Middle East.
Earlier in the week, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Iran agreed to continue a four-way dialogue on regional peace and security under the MJDA framework, according to the report.
The discussions followed a meeting in Tehran involving senior military, defence and intelligence officials from the participating countries.
The latest meeting with Mahmood highlights Pakistan’s engagement with the alliance. However, the Foreign Office statement cited in the report did not announce a new agreement or specific operational decision arising from Dar’s meeting.
Pakistan and Oman seek stronger economic ties
Separately, Dar held a telephone conversation with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two ministers agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and energy.
The Omani foreign minister also thanked Dar for the hospitality extended during his recent visit to Pakistan, the ministry said.
Both sides agreed to follow up on understandings reached during the visit and emphasised continued high-level exchanges to maintain momentum in bilateral relations.
The ministers also discussed regional developments and reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability, according to the statement.
Dar calls for better use of EU GSP+ framework
Dar also chaired an inter-ministerial meeting on Pakistan’s trade and export promotion agenda.
The meeting focused on improving trade facilitation, raising product quality and expanding access to international markets through the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework, the Foreign Office said.
According to the ministry, discussions covered human rights, labour rights and environmental governance in line with Pakistan’s international commitments.
Dar called for more effective use of the GSP+ framework to expand export opportunities for Pakistani businesses. He also stressed coordination among government departments to support the country’s trade and export agenda.
The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, senior officials from the foreign affairs, commerce and human rights departments, Pakistan’s ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, and representatives of provincial governments and relevant institutions.
