Ankara: Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler held separate talks with senior Pakistani officials in Istanbul on Monday ahead of a trilateral defense meeting involving Trkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. Guler met with Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, according to statements by the Turkish National Defense Ministry.

According to Anadolu Agency, these discussions took place in anticipation of the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee. This committee was formed under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, which was signed by Trkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. The meeting is scheduled to occur in Istanbul later on Monday.

In addition to Guler, Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu participated in the meetings with Asif and Munir, highlighting the importance of strengthening defense ties and strategic cooperation among the three nations.