Makkah Defence Pact Committee Meets in Riyadh Today as Regional Tensions Rise
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — WEB DESK: Senior political and military officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are meeting in Riyadh on Monday for high-level talks under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, with regional security and the alliance’s expanding institutional framework at the centre of discussions.
Pakistan’s delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are also being represented by their foreign and defence ministers and senior military leadership.
Türkiye’s delegation includes Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and Chief of General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu.
The Strategic Political and Defence Committee will review the latest developments across the region and assess progress in institutionalising cooperation under the Makkah agreement.
The meeting comes at a sensitive moment for Middle East security following repeated missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia and escalating developments involving Yemen’s Houthis.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the trilateral Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7.
The framework provides for collective security and defence cooperation among the three countries and treats an armed attack against one member as an attack against all three.
The three countries have since been developing the political, military and institutional mechanisms required to implement the agreement.
The committee held its inaugural meeting in Istanbul on August 31, bringing together senior foreign, defence and military officials from the three member states.
Military chiefs from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye also met in Riyadh in September as consultations intensified over regional threats.
Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security while also supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions.
Ishaq Dar said last week that Iran had suggested political engagement with Yemen’s Houthis following the escalation of attacks. The proposal is expected to form part of broader discussions among the alliance members.
The Riyadh talks also take place against the backdrop of a new military operation announced by Yemen’s Saudi-backed government against Houthi-held territory.
No decision on a specific joint military operation by the three Makkah pact members has been announced.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting could provide further clarity on how the alliance intends to respond to emerging regional security challenges while developing its collective defence structure.
