The first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee, which brings Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia together under the same defense mechanism, is scheduled to take place in Istanbul tomorrow. Hosted by Türkiye, the meeting aims to provide strategic direction for activities to be conducted under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.
Planned participants
Türkiye is expected to be represented at the meeting by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and Chief of General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu.
Pakistan’s delegation is expected to include Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. Saudi Arabia is expected to be represented by Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman and Chief of General Staff General Fayyadh Bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili.
Cooperation and joint capabilities on the agenda
In addition to international security issues, the committee’s agenda includes measures aimed at developing the defense capabilities of the three countries. Increasing interoperability among the armed forces will also be discussed at the meeting.
Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia plan to deepen defense industry cooperation through joint production and research and development projects. Strengthening joint efforts to combat terrorism is also on the agenda.
Framework for joint mechanisms to be established
The meeting is expected to establish the framework for the Secretariat and other relevant mechanisms that will guide work in areas of joint activity. The committee is also expected to create a roadmap for steps to be taken in the coming period.
The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement aims to promote regional security, peace, stability and prosperity, increase joint deterrence, and approach security issues through a cooperative framework.
Agreement signed in Mecca on August 7
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement in Mecca on August 7.
The agreement stipulates that an attack against any of the signatory states will be considered an attack against all parties. The text also allows actors that respect international law and share a vision of peaceful cooperation to join the agreement.
