NEW YORK: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye have reviewed the progress on establishing institutional structures, including a General Secretariat, under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. The review took place during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar of Pakistan, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

According to Radio Pakistan, the ministers condemned recent attacks on Makkah and other targets in Saudi Arabia, commending Saudi Armed Forces for defending the Kingdom’s security. They affirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to defend itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

The ministers also discussed plans for an urgent meeting of the chiefs of staff from the three nations to explore ways to support Saudi Arabia as per the agreement. This agreement considers an attack on one party as an attack on all parties.

Further discussions addressed regional security, emphasizing international law, state sovereignty, and non-interference. The ministers expressed their commitment to working together for regional peace and stability, supporting de-escalation efforts, and promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts.