Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Security Coordination Under Makkah Defence Agreement

Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Security Coordination Under Makkah Defence Agreement

NEW YORK: Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have stepped up consultations under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as the three countries seek closer coordination on regional security, defence cooperation and emerging threats.

The latest discussions brought together Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The talks focused on developments under the recently signed defence framework and preparations for further military-level coordination.

Focus on regional security

The three countries have been working to establish the institutional mechanisms required to implement the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. These include a general secretariat, committees and working groups designed to improve coordination between the member states.

The agreement was signed in Makkah on August 7, 2026, by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan. It aims to strengthen collective security and defence cooperation while promoting peace and stability in the region.

Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three participating countries is to be regarded as an attack against all three. The pact also provides for broader cooperation in defence-related areas.

Military cooperation to be strengthened

The three countries had already held their first Strategic Political and Defence Committee meeting in Istanbul on August 31. Officials agreed to take steps to institutionalise cooperation under the agreement and strengthen defence capabilities.

The countries also discussed cooperation in defence industries, joint technology development and production, as well as activities aimed at improving coordination between their armed forces. A secretariat is being established in Saudi Arabia to support the agreement's work.

Recent security concerns

The latest consultations come amid heightened security tensions in the region. Saudi Arabia has faced attacks attributed to Yemen's Houthi movement, increasing attention on the practical implementation of the Makkah defence framework.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said Türkiye is prepared to help meet Saudi Arabia's military needs within the framework of the defence agreement. Pakistan has also publicly reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi Arabia's security.

Following the latest foreign ministers' meeting, the three countries are also preparing for an urgent meeting of their military chiefs to examine ways of supporting Saudi Arabia under the Makkah agreement. The timing and specific form of any assistance have not been announced.

Agreement described as defensive

Pakistan's Foreign Office has repeatedly described the Makkah Accord as defensive in nature and said that it is not directed against any particular country. Pakistani officials have also emphasized that the agreement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence, defence cooperation and regional stability.

The agreement represents a formal expansion of longstanding defence and strategic ties among Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. The three countries have indicated that their cooperation will also include training, capacity building, defence technology and exchanges of military expertise.

Looking ahead

The next phase of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is expected to focus on building its institutional structure and improving practical coordination among the three member states.

As regional security challenges continue to evolve, Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are maintaining consultations through diplomatic and military channels. The countries have also stressed the importance of dialogue, de-escalation and peaceful solutions alongside their defence cooperation.

The latest talks therefore mark another step in the implementation of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and demonstrate the three countries' efforts to develop a coordinated framework for security and defence cooperation.