Istanbul: The first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee, established under the Mecca Joint Defense Pact, is set to convene in Istanbul on Monday.
According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting will bring together key defense and foreign affairs leaders from Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, and Chief of General Staff Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu are expected to represent Turkey.
Pakistan will be represented by Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. The Saudi delegation is anticipated to include Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, and Chief of General Staff Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili. The committee's formation aims to provide strategic direction for activities under the Mecca Joint Defense Pact.
The meeting will focus on international security issues, enhancing defense capabilities, and promoting interoperability among the armed forces of the three countries. Discussions will also cover deepening defense industry cooperation, joint production, research and development, and strengthening joint counterterrorism efforts.
Additionally, the meeting will seek to establish a framework for a secretariat and other mechanisms to guide collaborative activities. It will outline a roadmap for future steps, emphasizing the Mecca Joint Defense Pact's role in fostering security, peace, and stability in the region, and promoting a cooperative security framework.
The Mecca Joint Defense Pact, signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on August 7, aims to strengthen regional and global security, peace, and prosperity. The agreement includes a mutual defense clause, considering an attack on one party as an attack on all parties. The pact encourages a culture of regional cooperation based on international law and peaceful collaboration.