Istanbul: Trkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia have agreed to take measures to further institutionalize their cooperation under the Mecca Agreement for Joint Defense. This decision was encapsulated in a joint statement following the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee in Istanbul.

According to Anadolu Agency, the joint statement emphasized the commitment of the three nations to collaborate within the framework of the Mecca Agreement to achieve sustainable peace and stability in their region. The statement highlighted the countries' pledge to support efforts directed at de-escalation and restraint, with a focus on encouraging peaceful resolutions to crises.

The agreement aims to enhance the solidarity, credibility, and effectiveness of the collective deterrence and defense capabilities of Trkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. The countries also intend to contribute to regional efforts and cooperative security, striving for a just, inclusive, and lasting peace.

A key development from the meeting is the establishment of a secretariat in Saudi Arabia to oversee the initiatives under the agreement. This secretariat will be led by a secretary general from Pakistan for an initial three-year term, further institutionalizing the cooperative efforts among the nations.

Additionally, the countries agreed to bolster their defense capabilities and the cohesion of their armed forces through joint activities. These activities will include robust defense industry cooperation, as well as joint technology development and production, reinforcing their collective defense posture.

The foreign and defense ministers, along with the chiefs of defense forces/chiefs of general staff from Trkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, convened in Istanbul for the Strategic Political and Defense Committee meeting. This meeting, organized under the Mecca Agreement for Joint Defense, marks a significant step in the ongoing collaboration among these nations to contribute to regional peace and stability.