Istanbul: The Strategic Political Defence Committee of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement has issued a joint statement following a significant meeting in Istanbul. The gathering included foreign ministers, defense ministers, commanders of the defense forces, and chiefs of the general staffs from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Turkey, and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the meeting underscored the three nations' commitment to fulfilling their regional responsibilities and reaffirmed their determination to work collaboratively within the framework of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. The nations aim to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region by supporting efforts focused on de-escalation and encouraging the peaceful resolution of crises.

The statement highlighted the agreement to further institutionalize cooperation under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, thereby strengthening solidarity and ensuring the credibility and effectiveness of collective deterrence and defense. This initiative is expected to contribute to regional efforts and cooperative security to achieve a just and comprehensive peace.

A secretariat will be established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support the work under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Initially, the secretariat will be led by a secretary-general from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for a three-year term. This move is intended to enhance defense capabilities and foster robust cooperation in defense industries among the three states.

Through these efforts, the nations involved in the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement aim to make significant contributions to regional peace and stability, leveraging institutional and substantive implementation of the agreement.