Istanbul: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collective defence capabilities, expanding cooperation in defence industries and promoting peaceful solutions to regional crises under the framework of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.
The commitments were outlined in a joint statement issued following a meeting of the Political and Defence Strategic Committee of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement held in Istanbul.
According to the final communiqué, the three countries agreed to deepen cooperation through joint activities, strengthen coordination among their armed forces and promote joint production and technology partnerships in the defence sector.
The agreement reflects a broader effort by Riyadh, Islamabad and Ankara to build a more structured framework for strategic and military cooperation.
Focus on Defence Industries and Joint Capabilities
The joint statement said Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye would work together to enhance their defence capabilities through closer cooperation in military industries.
The three countries agreed to encourage joint production, technological collaboration and coordinated defence initiatives aimed at strengthening interoperability among their armed forces.
The communiqué emphasised that greater institutional cooperation would help reinforce collective solidarity and improve the effectiveness of joint defence mechanisms.
Beyond military cooperation, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to working jointly for sustainable peace and stability in the region.
The statement said Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye would support efforts aimed at reducing tensions and encouraging restraint, while promoting the peaceful resolution of regional crises.
The three countries stressed that their approach would be guided by a shared understanding of their regional responsibilities and the need to prevent further escalation.
The communiqué also underlined the importance of supporting diplomatic and political efforts aimed at achieving lasting solutions to conflicts.
General Secretariat to Be Established in Saudi Arabia
A major outcome of the Istanbul meeting was the decision to establish a General Secretariat in Saudi Arabia to institutionalise cooperation under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.
The secretariat is expected to serve as a central mechanism for coordinating the activities and commitments of the three countries under the agreement.
In the first phase, Pakistan will lead the General Secretariat, with a Pakistani Secretary-General heading the institution for a period of three years.
The decision represents a significant step towards transforming the agreement from a political and strategic understanding into a permanent institutional framework.
Strengthening Collective Security
The final communiqué stated that institutionalising the detailed mechanisms of the Mecca Agreement would strengthen cooperation, collective defence and mutual security among the three countries.
It also said the framework could support wider regional efforts aimed at achieving a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace.
The three countries stressed that serious and structured implementation of the agreement would enable Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye to play a more significant role in promoting regional peace, stability and security.
The Istanbul meeting marks an important step in the evolution of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signalling an intention by the three regional powers to move towards deeper institutional coordination in defence, diplomacy and regional security.
