Pakistan, Saudi, Turkish FMs discuss security under Makkah defence pact
Dar meets Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The meeting focused on progress in implementing the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA), which was signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7, 2026.
The three countries have been working to establish the institutional structure required to put the agreement into operation. The agreement provides a framework for closer defence and security cooperation among the three countries.
Progress reviewed under Makkah Joint Defence Agreement
Dar said the ministers reviewed progress towards establishing the institutional structures under the agreement and exchanged views on regional and international security issues.
“Under the framework of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA), we reviewed progress towards establishing the institutional structures under the Agreement and exchanged views on regional and international security issues,” Dar said.
The discussions included work on the General Secretariat, committees and working groups established under the agreement. The ministers also reviewed preparations for these bodies to begin their operations, marking another step towards putting the tripartite defence framework into practice.
Makkah agreement links Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement during a summit in Makkah on August 7.
The agreement aims to strengthen collective security and defence cooperation among the three countries. It states that an armed attack against any one of the three states will be regarded as an attack against all three. The agreement also provides for greater cooperation in defence-related areas and seeks to strengthen collective deterrence against external aggression.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has previously described the agreement as defensive in nature and said it is not directed against any country. Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the agreement recognises the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence.
Three countries strengthen defence coordination
The latest meeting comes after the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee established under the Makkah agreement. The inaugural committee meeting was held in Istanbul on August 31, with senior officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye participating.
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The meeting was part of efforts to establish the institutional framework required for closer coordination among the three countries. The development has given the agreement a more formal structure, with committees and working groups expected to support cooperation in different areas.
Ministers discuss regional and global security
The foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international security developments. Their discussions come as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye continue diplomatic coordination on issues affecting regional peace, stability and security.
The three countries have said the Makkah agreement is intended to strengthen cooperation while supporting regional stability.
Saudi Arabia condemns attacks on its territory
During discussions linked to the agreement, the ministers strongly condemned attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including attacks affecting Makkah and civilian and economic facilities in the Kingdom.
Saudi authorities have emphasised their responsibility to protect the country’s security and territory.
The ministers also commended the vigilance of the Saudi Armed Forces and their ability to respond to threats against the Kingdom. The discussions further reaffirmed the importance of coordination among the three countries as they work to implement the Makkah defence framework.
What happens next?
The immediate focus will remain on completing the institutional structure of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
The General Secretariat, committees and working groups are expected to provide the framework for continued coordination between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The three countries will also continue consultations on regional and international security issues as the agreement moves towards full operationalisation.
