Shafaqna Pakistan: Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have agreed to further strengthen and institutionalise their defence cooperation under the Makkah Agreement for Joint Defence, while reaffirming their commitment to regional de-escalation and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Foreign and defence ministers, along with the chiefs of defence forces and chiefs of general staff of the three countries, convened in Istanbul on Monday for the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee established under the Makkah Agreement.
In a joint statement issued following the meeting, the three countries expressed their resolve to deepen cooperation under the agreement and work collectively towards promoting lasting peace, security and stability across the region.
They also reiterated their support for diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and resolving regional crises through peaceful means.
The statement said the three countries would continue supporting efforts aimed at de-escalation and restraint, with the objective of encouraging peaceful solutions to regional crises.
New secretariat
The countries agreed to take further steps to institutionalise their cooperation under the Makkah Agreement. The measures are intended to strengthen solidarity among the three states, enhance the credibility and effectiveness of their collective deterrence and defence, and support broader regional efforts towards cooperative security and a just, inclusive and lasting peace.
As part of the new institutional framework, a Secretariat headed by a Secretary General will be established in Saudi Arabia to support the trilateral cooperation.
The Secretariat will initially be headed by a Secretary General from Pakistan for a period of three years.
The arrangement is intended to provide an organised mechanism for coordinating the countries’ work under the Makkah Agreement as they seek to expand their strategic and defence cooperation.
Defence industry cooperation
Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia also agreed to strengthen the defence capabilities and cohesion of their armed forces through joint activities.
The joint statement identified robust defence industry cooperation, joint technology development and production as key areas for closer collaboration.
The three countries said they would pursue these initiatives as part of efforts to deepen practical cooperation and strengthen their collective defence capabilities.
They further stressed that resolute and institutionalised implementation of the Makkah Agreement would enable the three countries to make essential contributions to regional peace and stability.
The meeting was held in Istanbul on Monday under the Strategic Political and Defence Committee framework established by the Makkah Agreement for Joint Defence.
Source: Dunya News
