ISTANBUL: Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to secure lasting peace and stability in their region, as outlined in the Makkah Agreement. This was announced in a joint statement following a high-level meeting of the countries’ foreign affairs and defense ministers in Istanbul.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting took place under the Strategic Political and Defence Committee format established by the Makkah Agreement for Joint Defence. The three nations expressed their resolve to support initiatives aimed at de-escalation and peaceful resolution of regional issues.

In their joint statement, the countries agreed to take measures to further institutionalize their cooperation under the Makkah Agreement. This includes enhancing solidarity, ensuring the credibility and effectiveness of collective deterrence and defense, and contributing to regional security efforts for a just and inclusive peace.

A key development from the meeting is the decision to establish a secretariat in Saudi Arabia to support the implementation of the Makkah Agreement. This secretariat will be headed by a Secretary-General from Pakistan for an initial term of three years.

The countries also plan to enhance their defense capabilities and armed forces cohesion through robust defense industry cooperation, joint technology development, and production. Through these efforts, and the structured implementation of the Makkah Agreement, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia aim to make significant contributions to regional peace and stability.