- September 1, 2026
- Posted by: Tresmark
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Pakistan will head the newly established secretariat of the Makkah Defence Alliance in Riyadh for an initial three-year term, as member states move to formalise and expand cooperation under the tripartite defence arrangement.
The decision was taken during the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee in Istanbul, attended by foreign and defence ministers as well as military leadership from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.
The three-member coalition was also formally named the Makkah Defence Alliance during the meeting.
According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, the alliance members agreed to establish a permanent secretariat in Saudi Arabia, headed by a secretary general, to support the implementation and institutional development of the agreement. Pakistan will hold the first secretary general position for three years.
The member states reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collective deterrence and defence cooperation, while working towards greater regional stability and security.
The Foreign Office said the countries would take further steps to institutionalise their partnership, improve coordination among their armed forces and enhance the effectiveness and credibility of collective defence arrangements.
The cooperation framework will also focus on joint military activities, defence industry collaboration, technology development and potential co-production initiatives.
The three countries reiterated their intention to promote de-escalation and peaceful solutions to regional crises, stressing the importance of regional ownership in efforts aimed at achieving sustainable peace and stability.
Alliance Open to New Members
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the newly named Makkah Defence Alliance would remain open to the participation of other countries that meet its membership criteria.
Speaking after the Istanbul meeting, Fidan said the member states had begun developing the institutional structure required to implement the agreement.
He emphasised that the alliance was not directed against any particular country and would operate on principles including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.
Fidan also clarified that membership in the alliance would not replace or affect the existing commitments of participating countries under other international agreements or partnerships.
He said the alliance was expected to grow over time, provided its institutional mechanisms were functioning effectively.
Defence Leaders Hold Bilateral Meetings
On the sidelines of the meeting, Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir held discussions with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.
The two leaders reviewed opportunities for expanding military and defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and exchanged views on regional developments and ongoing efforts to address security challenges.
Field Marshal Munir also met Turkish National Defence Minister Yasar Guler.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif held separate discussions with the Turkish defence leadership, focusing on strengthening bilateral and regional defence cooperation.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also met his Saudi counterpart, while he had earlier held talks with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Following the Istanbul meetings, Dar travelled to Bishkek alongside Turkish officials to join Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Pakistani delegation attending the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting and the SCO Plus Summit.
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