The inaugural Strategic Political and Defence Committee meeting in Istanbul focuses on joint security, military cooperation and defence production.
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE — WEB DESK: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have begun the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, bringing senior officials from the three countries together in Istanbul for talks on regional security and military cooperation.
Türkiye is hosting the first committee meeting, which is expected to focus on strengthening defence coordination, military interoperability, joint defence production and research and development.
The meeting represents the first formal gathering under the trilateral defence framework agreed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and subsequently expanded through cooperation with Türkiye.
Defence cooperation at centre of talks
The discussions are focused on strengthening coordination among the three countries in areas of strategic and defence policy.
Key areas include military interoperability, joint defence production, research and development, counterterrorism cooperation and future joint activities, according to the information released ahead of the meeting.
The participating countries are also expected to discuss mechanisms for implementing the defence agreement and developing a roadmap for closer cooperation.
Türkiye hosts inaugural committee meeting
The first Strategic Political and Defence Committee meeting is being held in Istanbul, with Türkiye serving as host.
The gathering comes as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye seek to deepen their strategic partnerships amid evolving security challenges in the region.
For Ankara, Riyadh and Islamabad, greater defence cooperation could provide a framework for expanding military-to-military engagement, defence technology collaboration and coordinated security initiatives.
Focus on joint defence production and R&D
Joint defence production and research and development are among the most significant areas under discussion.
Pakistan and Türkiye already maintain extensive defence cooperation, including collaboration in naval and aerospace programmes. Saudi Arabia has also been seeking to expand domestic defence manufacturing and technology capabilities as part of its broader strategic objectives.
Trilateral cooperation could therefore create opportunities for greater industrial collaboration, although specific projects and production agreements would need to be formally announced by the participating governments.
Counterterrorism and regional security
Counterterrorism cooperation is another key component of the discussions.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have previously worked together through bilateral and multilateral security arrangements. The new trilateral mechanism provides another platform for coordination on shared security concerns.
The committee is also expected to establish a roadmap for future activities, potentially including expanded military exchanges, training and other forms of defence cooperation.
A new trilateral strategic framework
The meeting signals an effort by the three countries to institutionalise their growing strategic and defence ties.
Pakistan maintains longstanding defence relations with both Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, while Ankara and Riyadh have also expanded their political, economic and security engagement in recent years.
The committee’s inaugural session could provide the foundation for more regular trilateral consultations and practical cooperation.
Further details on specific agreements, exercises or defence projects are expected to emerge as the Istanbul meeting progresses.
