Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reviewed progress on implementing the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) with his Saudi and Turkish counterparts in New York.
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.
The ministers reviewed plans to establish institutional structures under the defence agreement. Dar said the meeting also covered regional and international security issues.
The three countries have taken several steps to formalise the agreement. On August 31, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye held the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee in Istanbul. The meeting agreed to establish a secretariat in Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan later appointed retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as the first secretary general of the Makkah defence pact. He will lead the secretariat being established in Saudi Arabia.
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The ministers also discussed the formation of committees and working groups. These bodies will support the agreement’s implementation and future cooperation.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the three sides also discussed an urgent meeting of their chiefs of staff. The meeting would consider ways to support Saudi Arabia under the Makkah agreement.
The discussion followed attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, according to the ministry. The ministers condemned the attacks and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to take measures to protect its security under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
They also discussed the wider regional situation. The ministers stressed international law, respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.
The officials also highlighted the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation. They renewed their commitment to regional peace and stability.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement brings Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye under a framework for defence cooperation. The three countries have described the arrangement as a mechanism for collective deterrence and regional security. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has said the agreement aims to strengthen cooperation while supporting regional peace and stability.
The agreement also builds on longstanding military ties among the three countries. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained extensive defence cooperation for decades. Pakistan and Türkiye have also expanded military cooperation in areas including training, naval cooperation and defence technology.
