Saudi Arabia to Host Secretariat Under Makkah Defence Pact, First Secretary-General to Be from Pakistan
ISTANBUL: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have agreed to establish a secretariat in Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, with the first secretary-general to be appointed from Pakistan.
The decision was taken at the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, held in Istanbul with the participation of the civil and military leadership of the three countries.
Hosted by Türkiye, the meeting discussed regional and global security issues and ways to further strengthen the defence capabilities of the three countries.
The participants reviewed measures to enhance coordination among their armed forces and explored cooperation in joint defence production, research and development. Strengthening joint efforts against terrorism was also discussed.
صورة جماعية لوزراء الدفاع والخارجية ورؤساء الأركان في "السعودية وتركيا وباكستان" قبل بدء اجتماع اللجنة الاستراتيجية السياسية الدفاعية لاتفاقية مكة المقام في اسطنبول. pic.twitter.com/GYAT2pcdNA
— العربية عاجل (@AlArabiya_Brk) August 31, 2026
Turkish Foreign Minister Briefs Media
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the Makkah Agreement was based on the principle of collective defence and described it as a historic initiative aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.
He said the meeting focused on creating a practical institutional structure for the alliance and that the agreement would formally be referred to as the “Makkah Agreement.”
Fidan said the agreement complemented NATO and that other countries could join under mutually agreed conditions. He added that a roadmap for the participation of other countries was being developed.
He emphasized that the alliance was not directed against any particular state and said the structure being established by Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia was fully in accordance with international law.
Joint Declaration Issued
A joint declaration issued after the meeting said Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia had reaffirmed their commitment to working together for lasting peace and stability in the region.
The three countries agreed to continue efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting peaceful solutions to crises.
According to the Foreign Office, the countries also agreed to further institutionalize their cooperation under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and strengthen the credibility and effectiveness of collective defence and joint deterrence.
A secretariat headed by a secretary-general will be established in Saudi Arabia under the agreement. The first secretary-general will be from Pakistan and will head the secretariat for a three-year term.
Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia will also enhance the defence capabilities of their armed forces through joint activities, while expanding cooperation in defence industries, joint technology development and production.
The three countries expressed their commitment to effective implementation of the Makkah Defence Agreement, saying it would contribute significantly to peace and stability in the region.
